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CONTENTS. 


THE  FIRST  BOOK. 

ADMONITIONS,  USEFUL  FOR  A  SPIRITTIAL  LIFE. 

Chapter  Pagb 
I.    Of  the  Imitation  of  Christ,  and  contempt  of 

all  the  vanities  of  the  world   ii 

II.    Of  thinking  humbly  of  ourselves  .....  13 

III.  Of  the  doctrine  of  Truth   15 

IV.  Of  wisdom  and  forethought  in  our  actions    .  18 
V.    Of  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures   19 

VI,    Of  inordinate  affections   20 

VII.    Of  avoiding  vain  hope  and  pride   21 

VIII.    That  too  much  familiarity  is  to  be  shunned  .  23 

^  IX.    Of  obedience  and  subjection   24 

^    X.    Of  avoiding  many  words   25 

i^XI.    Of  the  obtaining  of  peace,  and  of  zealous 

desire  for  growth  in  grace   26 

XII.    Of  the  profit  of  adversity   28 

XIII.    Of  resisting  temptation   29 

"XlV.    Of  avoiding  rash  judgment   33 

XV.    Of  works  done  out  of  charity   34 

XVI.    Of  bearing  with  the  faults  of  others  ....  35 

^  S I 90865 


4 


Chapter 

ir  AGS 

XVII. 

Of  life  in  SL  religious  cominiinity     •    .    •  • 

37 

XVIII. 

-jR 
3^ 

XIX. 

Of  the  exercises  of  a  good  religious' person  . 

41 

XX. 

Of  the  love  of  solitude  and  silence  .... 

44 

XXI. 

48 

XXII. 

Of  the  consideration  of  human  misery    .  . 

51 

XXIIL 

55 

XXIV. 

Of  judgment,  and  the  punishment  of  sinners 

CO 

XXV. 

Of  the  zealous  amendment  of  our  whole  life 

63 , 

THE  SECOND  BOOK. 

ADMONITIONS  CONCERNING  INWARD  THINGS. 

I. 

60 

II. 

/  0 

III. 

IV. 

Of  a  pure  mind,  and  a  simple  intention  .  . 

'76 

V. 

Of  the  consideration  of  one*s  self  .... 

78 

VI. 

70 

VII. 

Of  the  love  of  Jesus  above  all  things  .    .  . 

82 

VIII. 

Of  familiar  friendship  with  Jesus  .... 

83 

IX. 

86 

X. 

Of  gratitude  for  the  grace  of  God  .... 

90 

XI. 

That  the  lovers  of  the  Cross  of  Jesus  are  few 

93 

XII. 

Of  the  royal  way  of  the  holy  Cross  .... 

95 

THE  THIRD  BOOK. 

OF  INTERNAL  CONSOLATION. 

1. 

Of  Christ's  speaking  inwardly  to  the  faithful 

103 

5 


Chapter  Page 
II.    That  the  truth  speaketh  inwardly  without 

noise  of  words  104 

III.  That  the  words  of  God  are  to  be  heard  with 

humility,  and  that  many  weigh  them  not  .  106 

IV.  That  we  ought  to  live  in  truth  and  humility 

before  God  109 

V.    Of  the  wonderful  effect  of  divine  love     .    .  112 

VI.    Of  the  proving  of  a  true  lover  115 

VII.    That  grace  is  to  be  guarded  by  humility  .    .  118 
VIIL    Of  a  mean  conceit  of  ourselves  in  the  sight 

of  God  121 

IX.    That  all  things  are  to  be  referred  unto  God, 

as  their  last  end  123 

X.    That  to  despise  the  world  and  serve  God,  is 

sweet  124 

XI.    That  the  longings  and  desires  of  our  hearts 

are  to  be  examined  and  moderated  .    .    .  127 

XII.  Of  the  growth  of  patience  in  the  soul,  and  of 

striving  against  concupiscence     •   .    .    .  129 

XIII.  Of  humble  obedience  after  the  example  of 

Jesus  Christ  131 

XIV.  Of  considering  the  secret  judgments  of  God, 

that  so  we  be  not  lifted  up  for  anything 

good  in  us  133 

XV.    In  every  thing  which  we  desire,  how  we  ought 

to  feel,  and  what  we  ought  to  say   •    ,    ,  135 
XVI.   That  true  comfort  is  to  be  sought  in  God 

alone  137 

XVII.   That  all  our  anxieties  are  to  be  rested  on  God  138 
XVIII.    That  temporal  sufferings  must  be  borne  pa- 
tiently, after  the  example  of  Christ  .   .  140 


6 


Chapter  Pagb 
XIX.    Of  the  endurance  of  injuries,  and  of  the 

proof  of  true  patience  141 

XX.    Of  the  acknowledging  of  our  own  infirmi- 
ties; and  of  the  sufferings  of  this  life  144 
XXI.   That  we  are  to  rest  in  God  above  all 

his  gifts  and  benefits  146 

XXII.    Of  the  remembrance  of  God's  manifold 

benefits  150 

XXIII.  Of  four  things  that  bring  great  inward 

peace  152 

XXIV,  Of  avoiding  curious  enquiry  into  the  lives 

of  others  155 

XXV.    Wherein  firm  peace  of  heart  and  true 

spiritual  progress  consisteth  ....  156 
XXVI.    Of  the  excellency  of  a  free  mind,  which  is 
sooner  gained  by  humble  prayer  than 
by  study  158 

XXVII.  That  it  is  love  of  self  which  most  hinder- 

eth  from  the  chief  est  good     ....  160 

XXVIII.  Against  the  tongues  of  slanderers  .   .   .  162 

XXIX.  How  that  we  ought  to  call  upon  God, 

and  to  bless  him,  when  tribulation  is 
upon  us  163 

XXX.  Of  craving  the  divine  aid,  and  of  confi- 

dence of  recovering  grace  164 

XXXI.    Of  the  contempt  of  all  creatures,  in  order 

to  find  out  the  Creator  168 

XXXII.    Of  self-denial,  and  renouncing  every  evil 

appetite  170 

XXXIII.    Of  inconstancy  of  heart,  and  of  having 

our  final  intent  directed  unto  God  .    .  172 


Chapter  Page 
XXXIV.    That  God  is  precious  above  all  things, 
and  in  all  things,  to  him  that  loveth 

him  173 

XXXV.    That  there  is  no  security  from  temptation 

in  this  life  176 

XXXVI,  Against  the  vain  judgments  of  men  .  .  178 
XXXVII.    Of  pure  and  entire  resignation  for  the 

obtaining  freedom  of  heart    ....  179 
XXXVIII.    Of  good  government  of  ourselves  in 
things  outward,  and  of  recourse  to  God 

in  dangers  181 

XXXIX.   That  a  man  should  not  be  over-careful 

in  matters  of  business  183 

XL.    That  man  hath  of  himself  no  good  thing, 

nor  any  thing  whereof  he  can  glory    .  184 
XLI.    Of  the  contempt  of  all  temporal  honor  .  186 
XLII.    That  our  peace  is  not  to  be  set  on  men  .  187 
XLIII.    Against  vain  and  secular  knowledge  .    .  188 
XLIV.    Of  not  attracting  to  ourselves  outward 

things      ,  190 

XLV.    That  credit  is  not  to  be  given  to  all ;  and 

that  man  is  prone  to  offend  in  words  .  191 
XLVI.    Of  putting  our  trust  in  God  when  evil 

words  arise  194 

XLVII.    That  all  grievous  things  are  to  be  en- 
dured for  the  sake  of  eternal  life    .   .  197 
XLVIIL    Of  the  day  of  eternity,  and  this  life's 

straitnesses  .••199 

XLIX.  Of  the  desire  of  everlasting  life,  and 
how  great  rewards  are  promised  to 
those  that  strive  resolutely        ,    ,    .  20a 


8 


Chapter  Page 
Lo    How  the  desolate  ought  to  give  up  himself 

into  the  hands  of  God  206 

LI.  That  a  man  ought  to  employ  himself  in 
works  of  humility,  when  strength  is  want- 
ing for  higher  employment  210 

LII.  That  a  man  ought  not  to  account  himself 
as  worthy  of  comfort,  but  rather  as  deserv- 
ing of  chastisement  212 

LIII.   That  the  grace  of  God  is  not  given  to  those 

who  relish  earthly  things  .214 

LIV.    Of  the  different  stirrings  of  nature  and 

grace  216 

LV,    Of  the  corruption  of  nature,  and  the  efficacy 

of  divine  grace  221 

LVI.  That  we  ought  to  deny  ourselves  and  imi- 
tate Christ  by  the  Cross  ,    .  224 

LVII.    That  a  man  should  not  be  too  much  de- 
jected, even  when  he  falleth  into  some 

defects  227 

LVI  1 1.    That  high  matters  and  God's  secret  judg- 
ments are  not  to  be  narrowly  inquired 

into  .229 

LIX.   That  all  our  hope  and  trust  are  to  be  fixed 

in  God  alone   ,   .  234 

THE  FOURTH  BOOK. 

CONCERNING  THE  COMMUNION. 

A  devout  exhortation  to  the  Holy  Communion  .    .   .  237 
L    With  how  great  reverence  Christ  ought  to 

be  received    o   ..o  «  238 


9 


Chapter  Pagb 
II.    That  the  great  goodness  and  love  of  God  is 

exhibited  to  man  in  this  sacrament  .    .    ,  244 

III.  That  it  is  profitable  to  communicate  often  .  247 

IV.  That  many  benefits  are  bestowed  upon 

those  that  communicate  devoutly    .    .    .  250 
V.    Of  the  dignity  of  this  sacrament,  and  of  the 

ministerial  function    .    .   .    .    «    .    .    =  253 


VI.    An  inquiry  concerning  spiritual  exercise 

before  communion     ........  255 

VII.    Of  thoroughly  searching  our  own  conscience, 

and  of  holy  purposes  of  amendment    .    .  256 
VIII.    Of  the  oblation  of  Christ  on  the  cross,  and 


of  resignation  of  ourselves  '258 

IX.    That  we  ought  to  offer  up  ourselves  and  all 

that  is  ours  unto  God,  and  to  pray  for  all  .  260 
X.    That  the  holy  communion  is  not  lightly  to 

be  forborne  262 

XI.    That  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  and  the 

Holy  Scriptures  are  most  necessary  unto 

a  faithful  soul  266 

XII.    That  he  who  is  about  to  communicate  with 

Christ  ought  to  prepare  himself  with  great 

diligence  271 

XIII.  That  the  devout  soul  ought  with  the  whole 

heart  to  seek  union  with  Christ  in  this 
sacrament  273 

XIV.  Of  the  fervent  desire  of  some  devout  persons 

to  receive  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  .  275 
XV.   That  the  grace  of  devotion  is  obtained  by 

humility  and  denial  of  ourselves ....  277 


10 


Chapter  Pagk 
XVI.   That  we  ought  to  lay  open  our  necessities  to 

Christ,  and  to  crave  his  grace .   .    ,    .    .  279 
XVII.    Of  fervent  love,  and  vehement  desire  to 

receive  Christ   ........    o   .  280 

XVIII.  That  a  man  should  not  be  a  curious  searcher 
into  the  holy  sacrament,  but  an  humble 
follower  of  Christ,  submitting  his  sense 
to  divine  faith  o  283 


OF 

THE  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 


ADMONITIONS,  USEFUL  FOR  A  SPIRITUAL  LIFE. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Of  the  Imitation  of  Christy  and  Contempt  of  all  the 
Vanities  of  the  World, 

"  TTE  that  followeth  Me,  walketh  not  in  darkness,"^ 
saith  the  Lord.  These  are  the  words  of  Christ, 
by  which  we  are  taught  to  imitate  His  life  and  man- 
ners, if  we  would  be  truly  enlightened,  and  be  deliv- 
ered from  all  blindness  of  heart.  Let  therefore  our 
chief  endeavor  be  to  meditate  upon  the  life  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

2,  The  doctrine  of  Christ  exceedeth  all  the  doc- 
trines of  holy  men ;  and  he  that  hath  the  Spirit,  will 
find  therein  the  hidden  manna. 

But  it  falleth  out,  that  many,  albeit  they  often  hear 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,  are  yet  but  little  affected,  be- 
cause they  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ. 


*  John  viii.  12. 


Whosoever  then  would  fully  and  feelingly  under- 
stand the  words  of  Christ,  must  endeavor  to  conform 
his  life  wholly  to  the  life  of  Christ. 

3.  What  will  it  avail  thee  to  be  engaged  in  pro- 
found reasonings  concerning  the  Trinity,  if  thou  be 
void  of  humility,  and  art  thereby  displeasing  to  the 
Trinity  ? 

Surely  great  words  do  not  make  a  man  holy  and 
just ;  but  a  virtuous  life  maketh  him  dear  to  God. 

I  had  rather  feel  compunction,  than  know  the 
definition  thereof. 

If  thou  knewest  the  whole  Bible  by  heart,  and  the 
sayings  of  all  the  philosophers,  v/hat  would  it  profit 
thee  without  the  love  of  God  ^  and  without  grace  ? 

Vanity  of  vanities,  all  is  vanity,2  except  to  love 
God,  and  him  only  to  serve. 

This  is  the  highest  wisdom,  by  contempt  of  the 
world  to  tend  towards  the  kingdom  of  Heaven. 

4.  It  is  therefore  vanity  to  seek  after  perishing 
riches,  and  to  trust  in  them. 

It  is  also  vanity  to  strive  after  honors,  and  to  climb 
to  high  degree. 

It  is  vanity  to  follow  the  desires  of  the  flesh,  and 
to  labor  for  that  for  which  thou  must  afterwards 
suffer  grievous  punishment. 

It  is  vanity  to  desire  to  live  long,  and  not  to  care 
to  live  well. 

It  is  vanity  to  mind  only  this  present  life,  and  not 
to  make  provision  for  those  things  which  are  to  come. 
It  is  vanity  to  love  that  which  speedily  passeth 


I  Cor.  xiii.  2. 


^  Eccles.  i.  2. 


away,  and  not  to  hasten  thither  where  everlasting 
joy  awaiteth  thee. 

5.  Call  often  to  mind  that  proverb,  "  The  eye  is  not 
satisfied  with  seeing,  nor  the  ear  filled  with  hearing."  ^ 

Endeavor  therefore  to  withdraw  thy  heart  from  the 
love  of  visible  things,  and  to  turn  thyself  to  the 
invisible. 

For  they  that  follow  their  lusts  stain  their  own 
consciences,  and  lose  the  grace  of  God. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Of  Thinking  Humbly  of  Ourselves, 

A  LL  men  naturally  desire  knowledge ;  ^   but  what 
availeth  knowledge  without  the  fear  of  God  1 
Surely,  an  humble  husbandman  that  serveth  God, 
is  better  than  a  proud  philosopher  who,  neglecting 
himself,  is  occupied  in  studying  the  course  of  the 
heavens. 

Whoso  knoweth  himself,  is  lowly  in  his  own  eyes, 
and  delighteth  not  in  the  praises  of  men. 

If  I  understood  all  things  in  the  world,  and  had 
not  charity,  what  would  it  avail  me  in  the  sight  of 
God,  who  will  judge  me  according  to  my  deeds  } 

2.  Cease  from  an  inordinate  desire  of  knowledge, 
for  therein  is  much  distraction  and  deceit. 

Learned  men  are  anxious  to  seem  learned  to  others, 
and  to  be  called  wise. 


1  Eccles.  i.  8.    ^  Eccles.  i.  13 ;  Arist.  Met.  1. 1.   ^  i  Cor.  iii.  i. 


There  be  many  things  to  know  which  doth  little  or 
nothing  profit  the  soul :  And  he  is  very  unwise  who 
minds  other  things  more  than  those  that  tend  to  his 
salvation. 

Many  words  do  not  satisfy  the  soul;  but  a  good 
life  comforteth  the  mind,  and  a  pure  conscience 
giveth  great  confidence  toward  God. 

3.  The  more  thou  knowest,  and  the  better  thou 
understandest,  the  more  strictly  shalt  thou  be  judged, 
unless  thy  life  be  also  the  more  holy. 

Be  not  therefore  elated  in  thine  own  mind  because 
of  any  art  or  science,  but  rather  let  the  knowledge 
given  thee  make  thee  afraid. 

If  thou  thinkest  that  thou  understandest  and  know- 
est much ;  ^et  know  that  there  be  many  more  things 
which  thou  knowest  not. 

Affect  not  to  be  overwise,  but  rather  acknowledge 
thine  own  ignorance.^ 

Why  wilt  thou  prefer  thyself  before  others,  seeing 
there  be  many  more  learned,  and  more  skilful  in  the 
Scripture  than  thou  ? 

If  thou  wilt  know  or  learn  anything  profitably, 
desire  to  be  unknown,  and  to  be  little  esteemed. 

4.  The  highest  and  most  profitable  lesson  is  the 
true  knowledge  and  lowly  esteem  of  ourselves. 

It  is  great  wisdom  and  perfection  to  think  nothing 
of  ourselves,  and  to  think  always  well  and  highly  of 
others. 

If  thou  shouldest  see  another  openly  sin,  or  commit 
some  heinous  offence,  yet  oughtest  thou  not  to  think 


1  Rom.  xii.  16. 


the  better  of  thyself;  for  thou  knowest  not  how  long 
thou  shalt  be  able  to  stand. 

We  are  all  frail,i  but  do  thou  esteem  none  more 
frail  than  thyself. 

CHAPTER  III. 

0/"  the  Doctrine  of  Truth. 

HAPPY  is  he  whom  truth  by  itself  doth  teach,^  not 
by  figures  and  words  that  pass  away,  but  as  it  is 
in  itself. 

Our  own  opinion  and  our  own  sense  do  often  de- 
ceive us,  and  they  discern  but  little. 

What  availeth  it  to  cavil  and  dispute  much  about 
dark  and  hidden  things,^  for  ignorance  of  which  we 
shall  not  be  reproved  at  the  day  of  judgment.'* 

It  is  a  great  folly  to  neglect  the  things  that  are 
profitable  and  necessary,  and  to  choose  to  dwell  upon 
that  which  is  curious  and  hurtful.  We  have  eyes  and 
see  not."* 

2.  And  what  have  we  to  do  genera  and  species? 
He  to  whom  the  Eternal  Word  speaketh,  is  delivered 
from  many  an  opinion. 

From  one  Word  are  all  things,  and  all  things  utter 
one  Word ;  and  this  is  the  Beginnings  which  also 
speaketh  unto  us. 

No  man  without  that  Word  understandeth  or  judg- 
eth  rightly, 

1  Gen.  viii.  21.  •  Eccles.  iii.  9-H. 

*  Psalm  xciv.  22.  *  Psahn  cxv.  5 


16 


He  to  whom  all  things  are  one,  he  who  reduceth 
all  things  to  one,  and  seeth  all  things  in  one ;  may 
enjoy  a  quiet  mind,  and  remain  at  peace  in  God. 

O  God,  who  art  the  truth,  make  me  one  with  thee 
in  everlasting  love. 

It  wearieth  me  often  to  read  and  hear  many  things : 
In  Thee  is  all  that  I  would  have  and  can  desire. 

Let  all  doctors  hold  their  peace;  let  all  creatures 
be  silent  in  Thy  sight ;  speak  Thou  alone  unto  me, 

3.  The  more  a  man  is  at  one  within  himself,  and 
becometh  of  single  heart,  so  much  the  more  and 
higher  things  doth  he  understand  without  labor ;  for 
that  he  receiveth  the  light  of  wisdom  from  above.^ 

A  pure,  single,  and  stable  spirit  is  not  distracted, 
though  it  be  employed  in  many  works ;  for  that  it 
doeth  all  to  the  honor  of  God,  and  being  at  rest  with- 
in, seeketh  not  itself  in  anything  it  doth. 

Who  hinder  and  trouble  thee  more  than  the  un- 
mortified  affections  of  thine  own  heart  ? 

A  good  and  devout  man  arrangeth  within  himself 
beforehand  those  things  which  he  ought  to  do. 

Neither  do  they  draw  him  to  the  desires  of  an  in- 
ordinate inclination,  but  he  ordereth  them  according 
to  the  direction  of  right  reason. 

Who  hath  a  greater  combat  than  he  that  laboreth 
to  overcome  himself? 

This  ought  to  be  our  endeavor,  to  conquer  our- 
selves, and  daily  to  wax  stronger,  and  to  grow  in 
hohness. 

4.  All  perfection  in  this  life  hath  some  imperfection 


1  Matt.  xi.  25;  Luke  x.  21. 


mixed  with  it ;  and  no  knowledge  of  ours  is  without 
some  darkness. 

A  humble  knowledge  of  thyself  is  a  surer  way  to 
God  than  a  deep  search  after  learning. 

Yet  learning  is  not  to  be  blamed,  nor  the  mere 
knowledge  of  any  thing  whatsoever,  for  that  is  good 
in  itself,  and  ordained  by  God;  but  a  good  con- 
science and  a  virtuous  life  are  always  to  be  preferred 
before  it. 

But  because  many  endeavor  rather  to  get  knowl- 
edge than  to  live  well;  therefore  they  are  oftea 
deceived,  and  reap  either  none  or  but  little  fruit. 

5.  O,  if  men  bestowed  as  much  labor  in  the  root- 
ing out  of  vices,  and  the  planting  of  virtues,  as  they 
do  in  the  moving  of  questions,  neither  would  so  many 
evils  be  done,  nor  so  great  scandal  be  given  in  the 
world. 

Truly,  at  the  day  of  judgment  we  shall  not  be  ex- 
amined as  to  what  we  have  read,  but  as  to  what  we 
have  done ;  ^  not  as  to  how  well  we  have  spoken,  but 
as  to  how  religiously  we  have  lived. 

Tell  me,  where  are  all  those  Doctors  and  Masters, 
with  whom  thou  wast  well  acquainted,  whilst  they 
lived  and  flourished  in  learning? 

Others  occupy  their  places,  and  perhaps  do  scarce 
pver  think  of  those  who  went  before  them.  In  their 
lifetime  they  seemed  something,  but  now  they  are 
not  spoken  of. 

6.  O,  how  quickly  doth  the  glory  of  the  world  pass 
away! 2   Would  that  their  life  had  been  answerable 


1  Matt.  XXV. 
2 


2  Eccles.  ii.  ii. 


18  0f  W^x^Am  mA  ^mtUmfflit  in  mx  ^ttwm. 


to  their  learning!  then  had  their  study  and  reading 
been  to  good  purpose. 

How  many  perish  by  reason  of  vain  learning^  of 
this  world,  who  take  little  care  of  the  serving  of  God. 

And  because  they  rather  choose  to  be  great  than 
humble,  therefore  they  become  vain  in  their  imagi- 
nations.2 

He  is  truly  great  who  hath  great  love. 

He  is  truly  great  that  is  little  in  himself,  and  that 
maketh  no  account  of  any  height  of  honor.^ 

He  is  truly  wise,  that  accounteth  all  earthly  things 
as  dung,  that  he  may  win  Christ.'* 

And  he  is  truly  learned,  that  doeth  the  will  of  God, 
and  forsaketh  his  own  will. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

O/  Wisdom  and  Forethought  in  our  Actions. 

117 E  must  not  trust  every  saying  or  suggestion,^  but 
warily  and  patiently  ponder  things  according  to 
the  will  of  God. 

Yet,  alas,  such  is  our  weakness,  that  we  often 
rather  believe  and  speak  evil  of  others  than  good. 

But  perfect  men  do  not  easily  credit  every  one  who 
speaks  to  them ;  for  they  know  that  human  frailty  is 
prone  to  evil,^  and  very  subject  to  error  in  words.^ 

'  Tit.  i.  TO.  ^  I  John  iv.  i. 

2  Rom.  i.  21.  ®  Gen.  viii.  21. 

*  Matt,  xviii.  4;  xxiii  11.          '  James  iii.  2. 
4  Phil.  iii.  8. 


2.  It  is  great  wisdom  not  to  be  rash  in  thy  doings,^ 
nor  to  stand  stiffly  in  thine  own  conceits  ; 

As  also  not  to  believe  every  thing  which  thou  hear- 
est,  nor  immediately  to  relate  again  to  others  ^  what 
thou  hast  heard  or  dost  believe. 

Consult  with  him  that  is  wise  and  of  sound  judg- 
ment, and  seek  to  be  instructed  by  one  better  thai? 
thyself,  rather  than  to  follow  thine  own  inventions.^ 

A  good  life  maketh  a  man  wise  according  to  God,^ 
and  giveth  him  experience  in  many  things.^ 

The  more  humble  a  man  is  in  himself,  and  the 
more  subject  unto  God,  the  more  wise  and  peaceful 
shall  he  be  in  all  things. 

CHAPTER  V. 
Of  Reading  the  Holy  Scriptures, 

TRUTH,  not  eloquence,  is  to  be  sought  for  in  Holy 
Scripture. 

Each  part  of  the  Scripture  is  to  be  read  with  the 
same  Spirit  wherewith  it  was  written.^ 

We  should  rather  search  after  profit  in  the  Scrip- 
tures, than  after  subtle  arguments. 

We  ought  to  read  plain  and  devout  books  as  will- 
ingly as  those  high  and  profound. 

Let  not  the  authority  of  the  writer  be  a  stumbling- 
block,  whether  he  be  of  great  or  small  learning ;  but 

^  Prov.  xix.  2. 
2  Prov.  xvii.  9. 
*  Prov.  xii.  15. 


^  Prov.  XV.  33. 
^  Eccles.  i.  16. 
^  Rom.  XV.  4. 


20  (^f  gmx&xmU  ^fUttxonfi. 


let  the  love  of  pure  truth  draw  thee  to  read.^  Enquire 
not  who  spoke  this  or  that,  but  mark  what  is  spoken. 

2.  Men  pass  away,  but  the  truth  of  the  Lord  re- 
maineth  for  ever.2  God  speaks  unto  us  in  sundry 
ways  without  respect  of  persons.^ 

Our  own  curiosity  often  hindereth  us  in  reading  of 
the  Scriptures,  when  we  will  examine  and  discuss 
that  which  we  should  rather  pass  over  without  more 
ado. 

If  thou  desire  to  profit,  read  with  humility,  simpli- 
city, and  faithfulness ;  nor  ever  desire  the  repute  of 
learning. 

Enquire  willingly,  and  hear  with  silence  the  words 
of  holy  men.  Let  not  the  parables  of  the  Elders  dis- 
please thee,  for  they  are  not  given  without  cause.^ 

CHAPTER  VL 
Of  Inordinate  Affections. 

117HEN SOEVER  a  man  desireth  any  thing  inordi- 
' '   nately,  he  becometh  presently  disquieted  in  him- 
self. 

The  proud  and  covetous  can  never  rest.  The  poor 
and  humble  in  spirit  dwell  in  the  multitude  of  peace. 

The  man  that  is  not  yet  perfectly  dead  to  himself, 
is  quickly  tempted  and  overcome  in  small  and  trifling 
things. 

The  weak  in  spirit,  and  he  that  is  yet  in  a  manner 


1  I  Cor.  ii.  4.  2  Psalm  cxvii.  2;  Luke  xxi.  33. 

s  Rom.  ii.  II;  X.  12;  Col.  iii.  11,  ^  Prov.  i.6;  Eccles.xii. 9. 


carnal  and  prone  to  the  things  of  sense,  can  hardly 
withdraw  himself  altogether  from  earthly  desires. 

And  therefore  he  is  often  afflicted  when  he  goeth 
about  to  withdraw  himself  from  them ;  and  is  easily 
angered  when  any  opposeth  him. 

2.  And  if  he  hath  followed  his  appetite,  he  is  pres- 
ently disquieted  with  remorse  of  conscience  ;  for  that 
he  hath  yielded  to  his  passion,  which  profiteth  him 
nothing  to  the  obtaining  of  the  peace  which  he  sought. 

True  quietness  of  heart  therefore  is  gotten  by  resist- 
ing our  passions,  not  by  obeying  them. 

There  is  then  no  peace  in  the  heart  of  a  carnal  man, 
nor  in  him  that  is  given  to  outward  things,  but  in  the 
spiritual  and  devout  man. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Of  Avoiding  Vain  Hope  and  Pride, 

TIE  is  vain  that  putteth  his  trust  in  man,^  or  in 
creatures. 

Be  not  ashamed  to  serve  others  for  the  love  of 
Jesus  Christ ;  nor  to  be  esteemed  poor  in  this  world. 

Presume  not  upon  thyself,  but  place  thy  hope  in 
God.2 

Do  what  lieth  in  thy  power,  and  God  will  assist  thy 
good  will. 

Trust  not  in  thine  own  knowledge,^  nor  in  the  skill 
of  any  living  creature ;  but  rather  in  the  grace  of 


Jer.  xvii.  5.        ^  Psaim  xxxi.  i.       ^  j^j.^  jx.  23. 


God,  who  helpeth  the  humble,  and  humbleth  those 
that  are  proud. 

2.  Glory  not  in  wealth  if  thou  have  it,  nor  in  friends 
because  they  are  powerful ;  but  in  God  who  giveth 
all  things,  and  who  desireth  to  give  thee  Himself 
above  all  things. 

Esteem  not  thyself  for  the  height  of  thy  stature  nor 
for  the  beauty  of  thy  person,  which  may  be  disfigured 
and  destroyed  by  a  little  sickness. 

Please  not  thyself  in  thy  natural  gifts  or  wit,  lest 
thereby  thou  displease  God,  to  whom  appertaineth 
all  the  good  whatsoever  thou  hast  by  nature. 

3.  Esteem  not  thyself  better  than  others,^  lest  per- 
haps in  the  sight  of  God,  who  knoweth  what  is  in 
man,  thou  be  accounted  worse  than  they. 

Be  not  proud  of  well-doing; 2  for  the  judgment  of 
God  is  far  different  from  the  judgment  of  men,  and 
that  often  offendeth  Him  which  pleaseth  them. 

If  there  be  any  good  in  thee,  believe  that  there  is 
much  more  in  others,  that  so  thou  mayest  preserve 
humility. 

It  hurteth  thee  not  to  submit  to  all  men :  but  it 
hurteth  thee  most  of  all  to  prefer  thyself  even  to  one. 

The  humble  enjoy  continual  peace,  but  in  the  heart 
of  the  proud  is  envy,  and  frequent  indignation. 


1  Exod.  iii.  11. 


2  Job  ix.  20. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

TAa^  too  much  Familiarity  is  to  be  Shunned, 

T  AY  not  thy  heart  open  to  every  one ;  but  treat  of 
thy  affairs  with  the  wise,  and  such  as  fear  God.^ 
Converse  not  much  with  the  young,  nor  with 
strangers  .2 

Flatter  not  the  rich :  neither  do  thou  appear  will- 
ingly before  the  great. 

Keep  company  with  the  humble  and  single-hearted, 
with  the  devout  and  virtuous ;  and  confer  with  them 
of  those  things  that  may  edify.  Be  not  familiar  with 
any  woman;  but  commend  all  good  women  in  gen- 
eral to  God. 

Desire  to  be  familiar  with  God  alone  and  His 
Angels,  and  avoid  the  acquaintance  of  men. 

2.  We  must  have  love  towards  all,  but  familiarity 
with  all  is  not  expedient. 

Sometimes  it  falleth  out,  that  a  person  unknown 
to  us  is  much  esteemed  of,  from  the  good  report 
given  him  by  others ;  whose  presence  notwithstanding 
is  not  grateful  to  the  eyes  of  those  who  see  him. 

We  think  sometimes  to  please  others  by  our  soci- 
ety, and  we  rather  displease  them  with  those  bad 
qualities  which  they  discover  in  us. 


1  Eccles.  viii.  12. 


2  Prov.  v.  10. 


24 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Of  Obedience  and  Subjection. 

IT  is  a  great  matter  to  live  in  obedience,  to  be  under 
^  a  superior  and  not  to  be  at  our  own  disposing. 

It  is  much  safer  to  obey  than  to  govern. 

Many  live  under  obedience,  rather  for  necessity 
than  for  love ;  such  are  discontented,  and  do  easily 
repine.  Neither  can  they  attain  to  freedom  of  mind, 
unless  they  willingly  and  heartily  put  themselves 
under  obedience  for  the  love  of  God. 

Go  whither  thou  wilt,  thou  shalt  find  no  rest,  but 
in  humble  subjection  under  the  government  of  a 
superior.  Many  have  deceived  themselves,  imagin- 
ing to  find  happiness  in  change. 

2.  True  it  is,  that  every  one  willingly  doeth  that 
which  agreeth  with  his  own  liking,  and  inclineth 
most  to  those  that  are  of  his  own  mind. 

But  if  God  be  amongst  us,  we  must  sometimes 
cease  for  the  sake  of  peace  to  adhere  to  our  own 
opinion. 

Who  is  so  wise  that  he  can  fully  know  all  things 
Be  not  therefore  too  confident  in  thine  own  opin* 

ion ;  but  be  willing  to  hear  the  judgment  of  others. 
If  thy  thought  be  good,  and  yet  thou  partest  with 

it  for  God,  and  followest  the  opinion  of  another,  this 

shall  turn  to  thy  good. 

3.  I  have  often  heard,  that  it  is  safer  to  hear  and 
to  take  council,  than  to  give  it. 

It  may  also  fall  out,  that  a  man's  opinion  may  be 


25 


good  ;  but  to  refuse  to  yield  to  others  when  reason  or 
a  special  cause  requireth  it,  is  a  mark  of  pride  and 
stiffness. 

CHAPTER  X. 
Of  Avoiding  Many  Words. 

FLY  the  tumult  of  the  world  as  much  as  thou 
canst  ;^  for  the  treating  of  worldly  affairs  is  a 
great  hindrance,  although  it  be  done  with  sincere 
intention; 

For  we  are  quickly  defiled,  and  enthralled  by  vanity. 

Oftentimes  I  could  wish  that  I  had  held  my  peace 
when  I  have  spoken;  and  that  I  had  not  been  in 
company. 

Why  do  we  so  willingly  speak  and  talk  one  with 
another,  when  notwithstanding  we  seldom  cease  our 
converse  before  we  have  hurt  our  conscience  ? 

The  cause  why  we  so  willingly  talk,  is  for  that  by 
discoursing  one  with  another,  we  seek  to  receive 
comfort  one  of  another,  and  desire  to  ease  our  mind 
wearied  with  many  thoughts : 

And  we  very  willingly  talk  and  think  of  those  things 
which  we  most  love  or  desire;  or  of  those  things 
which  we  feel  to  be  against  us. 

2.  But,  alas,  oftentimes  in  vain,  and  to  no  end ;  for 
this  outward  comfort  is  the  cause  of  no  small  loss  of 
inward  and  divine  consolation. 

Therefore  we  must  watch  and  pray,  lest  our  time 
pass  away  idly. 


^  Matt.  iv.  I ;  xiv.  23 ;  John  vi.  15.    ^  Matt.  vii.  i ;  Rom.  ii.  i. 


26 


If  it  be  lawful  and  expedient  for  thee  to  speak, 
speak  those  things  that  may  edify. 

Evil  habit  and  neglect  of  our  own  growth  in  grace 
do  give  too  much  liberty  to  inconsiderate  speech. 

Yet  discourse  of  spiritual  things  doth  greatly  fur- 
ther our  spiritual  growth,  especially  when  persons  of 
one  mind  and  spirit  associate  together  in  God.i 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Of  the  Obtaining  of  Peace^  and  of  Zealous  Desire  for 
Growth  in  Grace, 

IITE  might  enjoy  much  peace,  if  we  would  not  busy 
ourselves  with  the  words  and  deeds  of  other  men, 
and  things  which  appertain  nothing  with  to  our 
charge. 

How  can  he  abide  long  in  peace,  who  trusteth  him- 
self into  the  cares  of  others,  who  seeketh  occasions 
abroad,  who  little  or  seldom  cometh  to  himself  ? 

Blessed  are  the  single-hearted;  for  they  shall  enjoy 
much  peace. 

2.  Why  were  some  of  the  Saints  so  perfect  and 
contemplative?  Because  they  labored  to  mortify 
themselves  wholly  to  all  earthly  desires;  and  there- 
fore they  could  with  their  whole  heart  fix  themselves 
upon  God,  and  be  free  for  holy  retirement. 

We  are  too  much  led  by  our  passions,  and  too 
solicitous  for  transitory  things. 

We  also  seldom  overcome  any  one  vice  perfectly, 


1  Acts  i.  14;  Rom.  xv.  5,  6. 


and  are  not  inflamed  with  a  fervent  desire  to  grow 
better  every  day;  and  therefore  we  remain  cold  and 
lukewarm. 

3.  If  we  were  perfectly  intent  upon  our  own 
hearts,  and  not  entangled  with  outward  things,  then 
should  we  be  able  to  relish  divine  things,  and  to  have 
some  experience  of  heavenly  contemplation. 

The  greatest,  and  indeed  the  whole  impediment  is 
that  we  are  not  free  from  passions  and  lusts,  neither 
do  we  endeavor  to  walk  in  the  perfect  way  of  the 
Saints ;  and  when  but  a  small  adversity  befalleth  us, 
we  are  too  quickly  dejected,  and  turn  ourselves  to 
human  consolations. 

4.  If  we  would  endeavor  like  brave  men  to  stand 
in  the  battle,  surely  we  should  feel  the  assistance  of 
God  from  Heaven. 

For  He  who  giveth  us  occasion  to  fight,  to  the  end 
we  may  get  the  victory,  is  ready  to  succor  those  that 
fight,  and  that  trust  in  His  grace. 

If  w^e  esteem  our  progress  in  religious  life  to  con- 
sist only  in  some  outward  observances,  our  devotion 
will  quickly  be  at  an  end. 

But  let  us  lay  the  axe  to  the  root,  that  being  freed 
from  passions,  we  may  find  rest  to  our  souls. 

5.  If  every  year  we  would  root  out  one  vice,  we 
should  sooner  become  perfect  men. 

But  now  oftentimes  we  perceive,  on  the  contrary, 
that  we  were  better  and  purer  at  the  beginning  of 
our  conversion,  than  after  many  years  of  our  pro- 
fession. 

Our  fervor  and  profiting  should  increase  daily;  but 


28 


Qow  it  is  accounted  a  great  matter,  if  a  man  can  retain 
out  some  part  of  his  first  zeal. 

If  we  would  do  but  a  little  violence  to  ourselves  at 
the  beginning,  then  should  we  be  able  to  perform  all 
things  afterwards  with  ease  and  delight. 

6.  It  is  a  hard  matter  to  forego  that  to  which  we 
are  accustomed,  but  it  is  harder  to  go  against  our 
own  will. 

But  if  thou  dost  not  overcome  small  and  easy- 
things,  when  wilt  thou  overcome  harder  things? 

Resist  thy  inclination  in  the  very  beginning,  and 
unlearn  evil  habits,  lest  perhaps  by  little  and  little 
they  draw  thee  to  greater  difficulty. 

O  if  thou  didst  but  consider  how  much  inward  peace 
unto  thyself,  and  joy  unto  others,  thou  wouldest  pro- 
cure by  demeaning  thyself  well,  I  think  that  thou 
wouldest  be  more  careful  of  thy  spiritual  progress. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Of  the  Profit  of  Adversity. 

TT  is  good  that  we  have  sometimes  some  troubles 
^  and  crosses ;  for  they  often  make  a  man  enter  into 
himself,  and  consider  that  he  is  here  in  banishment, 
and  ought  not  to  place  his  trust  in  any  worldly  thing. 

It  is  good  that  we  be  sometimes  contradicted,  and 
that  men  think  ill  or  inadequately;  and  this,  although 
we  do  and  intend  well. 

These  things  help  often  to  the  attaining  of  humil- 
ity, and  defend  us  from  vainglory:  for  then  we  are 


more  inclined  to  seek  God  for  our  inward  witness, 
when  outwardly  we  be  contemned  by  men,  and  when 
there  is  no  credit  given  unto  us. 

2.  And  therefore  a  man  should  settle  himself  so 
fully  in  God,  that  he  need  not  to  seek  many  comforts 
of  men. 

When  a  good  man  is  afflicted,  tempted,  or  troubled 
with  evil  thoughts;  then  he  understandeth  better  the 
great  need  he  hath  of  God,  without  whom  he  per- 
ceiveth  he  can  do  nothing  that  is  good. 

Then  also  he  sorroweth,  lamenteth,  and  prayeth, 
by  reason  of  the  miseries  he  suffereth. 

Then  he  is  weary  of  living  longer,  and  wisheth 
that  death  would  come,  that  he  might  depart  and  be 
with  Christ. 

Then  also  he  well  perceiveth,  that  perfect  security 
and  full  peace  cannot  be  had  in  this  world. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Of  Resisting  Temptation, 

CO  long  as  we  live  in  this  world  we  cannot  be 
^  without  tribulation  and  temptation. 

Hence  it  is  written  in  Job,  "  The  life  of  man  upon 
earth  is  a  life  of  temptation." 

Every  one  therefore  ought  to  be  careful  about  hij: 
temptations,  and  to  watch  in  prayer,  lest  the  devil 
find  an  advantage  to  deceive  him ;  for  he  never 
sleepeth,  but  goeth  about,  seeking  whom  he  may 
devour. 


80  &t  '^t^x^titis  ^mj^mwn. 


No  man  is  so  perfect  and  holy  but  he  hath  some 
times  temptations,  and  we  cannot  be  altogether  with- 
out them. 

2.  Nevertheless  temptations  are  often  very  profita- 
ble to  us,  though  they  be  troublesome  and  grievous ; 
for  in  them  a  man  is  humbled,  purified,  and  in- 
structed. 

All  the  Saints  passed  through  man's  tribulations 
and  temptations,  and  profited  thereby. 

And  they  that  could  not  bear  temptations  became 
reprobate,  and  fell  away. 

There  is  no  order  so  holy,  nor  place  so  secret,  as 
that  there  be  not  temptations  or  adversities  in  it. 

3.  There  is  no  man  that  is  altogether  free  from 
temptations  whilst  he  liveth  on  earth;  for  the  root 
thereof  is  in  ourselves,  w^ho  are  born  with  inclination 
to  evil. 

When  one  temptation  or  tribulation  goeth  away, 
another  cometh ;  and  we  shall  ever  have  something 
to  suffer,  because  we  are  fallen  from  the  state  of  our 
felicity. 

Many  seek  to  fly  temptations,  and  fall  more  griev- 
ously into  them. 

By  flight  alone  we  cannot  overcome,  but  by  patience 
and  true  humility  we  become  stronger  than  all  our 
enemies. 

4.  He  that  only  avoideth  them  outwardly  and  doth 
not  pluck  them  by  the  roots,  shall  profit  little  ;  yea, 
temptations  will  the  sooner  return  unto  him,  and  will 
be  more  violent  than  before. 

By  little  and  little,  and  by  patience  with  long-suf- 
fering, through  God's  help,  thou  shalt  more  easily 


overcome,  than  by  violence  and  thine  own  disqui- 
etude. 

Often  take  counsel  in  temptations,  and  deal  not 
roughly  with  him  that  is  tempted  ;  but  give  him  com- 
fort, as  thou  wouldest  wish  to  be  done  to  thyself. 

5.  The  beginning  of  all  evil  temptations  is  incon- 
stancy of  mind  and  small  confidence  in  God. 

For  as  a  ship  without  a  helm  is  tossed  to  and  fro 
by  the  waves,  so  the  man  who  is  careless  and  for- 
saketh  his  purpose,  is  many  ways  tempted. 

Fire  trieth  iron,  and  temptation  a  just  man. 

We  know  not  oftentimes  what  we  are  able  to  do, 
but  temptation  shows  us  what  we  are. 

Yet  we  must  be  watchful,  especially  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  temptation ;  for  the  enemy  is  then  more 
easily  overcome,  if  he  be  not  suffered  to  enter  the 
door  of  our  hearts,  but  be  resisted  at  the  very  gate, 
on  his  first  knocking. 

Wherefore  one  said,  "Withstand  the  beginnings: 
the  remedy  is  applied  too  late,  when  the  evil  has 
grown  strong  through  long  delay. 

For  first  there  cometh  to  the  mind  a  bare  thought 
of  evil,  then  a  strong  imagination  thereof,  afterwards 
delight  and  evil  emotion,  and  then  consent. 

And  so  by  little  and  little  our  wicked  enemy  get- 
teth  complete  entrance,  for  that  he  is  not  resisted  in 
the  beginning. 

And  the  longer  a  man  is  negligent  in  resisting,  the 
weaker  does  he  become  daily  in  himself,  and  the 
stronger  the  enemy  against  him. 


Ovid,  Lib.  xiii.  de  Remed.  Am, 


32 


6.  Some  suffer  great  temptations  in  the  beginning 
of  their  conversion ;  others  in  the  latter  end. 

Others  again  are  much  troubled  almost  through 
the  whole  of  their  life. 

Some  are  but  slightly  tempted,  according  to  the 
wisdom  and  equity  of  the  Divine  appointment,  which 
weigheth  the  states  and  deserts  of  men,  and  ordain- 
eth  all  things  for  the  welfare  of  His  own  chosen  ones. 

7.  We  ought  not  therefore  to  despair  when  we  are 
tempted,  but  so  much  the  more  fervently  to  pray 
unto  God,  that  He  will  vouchsafe  to  help  us  in  all 
tribulations;  for  He  will  surely,  according  to  the 
words  of  St.  Paul,  make  with  the  temptation  a  way 
to  escape,  that  we  may  be  able  to  bear  it.i 

Let  us  therefore  humble  our  souls  under  the  hand 
of  God  in  all  temptations  and  tribulations ;  for  He 
will  save  and  exhalt  the  humble  in  spirit. 

8.  In  temptations  and  afflictions  a  man  is  proved, 
how  much  he  hath  profited ;  and  his  reward  is  thereby 
the  greater,  and  his  graces  do  more  eminently  shine 
forth. 

Neither  is  it  any  such  great  thing  if  a  man  be  de- 
vout and  fervent,  when  he  feeleth  no  affliction;  but 
if  in  time  of  adversity  he  bear  himself  patiently, 
there  is  hope  then  of  great  growth  in  grace. 

Some  are  kept  from  great  temptations,  and  in  small 
ones  which  do  daily  occur  are  often  overcome ;  to 
the  end  that,  being  humbled,  they  may  never  pre- 
sume on  themselves  in  great  matters,  while  they  are 
worsted  in  so  small  things. 


I  Cor.  X.  13. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
Of  Avoiding  Rash  Judgment. 

TURN  thine  eyes  unto  thyself,  and  beware  thou 
judge  not  the  deeds  of  other  men.^  In  judging 
of  others  a  man  laboreth  in  vain,  often  erreth,  and 
easily  sinneth  ;  ^  but  in  judging  and  examining  him- 
self, he  always  laboreth  fruitfully. 

We  often  judge  of  things  according  as  we  fancy 
them;  for  private  affection  bereaves  us  easily  of  a 
right  judgment. 

If  God  were  always  the  pure  object  of  our  desire, 
we  should  not  be  so  easily  troubled,  through  the  re- 
pugnance of  our  carnal  mind. 

2.  But  oftentimes  something  lurketh  within,  or 
else  occurreth  from  without,  which  draweth  us  after  it. 

Many  secretly  seek  themselves  in  what  they  do, 
and  know  it  not. 

They  seem  also  to  live  in  good  peace  of  mind, 
when  things  are  done  according  to  their  will  and 
opinion;  but  if  things  happen  otherwise  than  they 
desire,  they  are  straightway  moved  and  much  vexed. 

The  diversities  of  judgments  and  opinions  cause 
oftentimes  dissensions  between  friends  and  country- 
men, between  religious  and  devout  persons.^ 

3.  An  old  custom  is  hardly  broken,*  and  no  man  is 
willing  to  be  led  farther  than  himself  can  see. 

^  Matt.  vii.  I ;  Rom.  xv.  i.  ^  Eccles.  iii.  i6. 

'  Matt.  xii.  25;  Luke  xii.  51.  ^  Jer.  xiii.  23. 

3 


If  thou  dost  more  rely  upon  thine  own  reason  or 
industry,  than  upon  that  power  which  brings  thee 
under  the  obedience  of  Jesus  Christ,  it  will  be  long 
before  thou  become  illuminated ;  for  God  will  have 
us  perfectly  subject  unto  Him,  that,  being  inflamed 
with  His  love,  we  may  transcend  the  narrow  limits 
of  human  reason. 

CHAPTER  XV. 
Of  Works  done  out  of  Charity, 

FOR  no  worldly  thing,  nor  for  the  love  of  any  man, 
is  any  evil  to  be  done  ;  ^  but  yet,  for  the  welfare 
of  one  that  standeth  in  need,  a  good  work  is  some- 
times to  be  intermitted  without  any  scruple,  or  even 
to  be  changed  for  a  better. 

For  by  doing  this,  a  good  work  is  not  lost,  but 
changed  into  a  better. 

Without  charity  the  outward  work  profiteth  noth- 
ing ;2  but  whatsoever  is  done  of  charity,  be  it  never 
so  little  and  contemptible  in  the  sight  of  the  world, 
it  becomes  wholly  fruitful. 

For  God  weigheth  more  with  how  much  love  a 
man  worketh,  than  how  much  he  doeth.  He  doeth 
much  that  loveth  much. 

2.  He  doeth  much  that  doeth  a  thing  well.  He 
doeth  well  that  rather  serveth  the  common  weal  than 
his  own  will.^ 


1  Matt,  xviii.  8.  ^  \  Cor.  xiii.  3;  Luke  vii.  47. 

3  Phil.  ii.  17. 


Oftentimes  a  work  seemeth  to  be  of  charity,  and  it 
is  rather  a  work  of  the  flesh;  because  natural  incli- 
nation, self-will,  hope  of  reward,  and  desire  of  ouf 
own  interest  are  motives  seldom  absent. 

3.  He  that  hath  true  and  perfect  charity  seeketb 
himself  in  nothing  ;i  but  only  desireth  in  all  things 
that  the  glory  of  God  should  be  exalted. 

He  also  envieth  none,  because  he  seeketh  no  pri' 
vate  good  ;  neither  doth  he  will  to  rejoice  in  himself, 
but  wisheth  above  all  things  to  be  made  happy  in  the 
enjoyment  of  God.^ 

He  attributeth  nothing  that  is  good  to  any  man, 
but  wholly  referreth  it  unto  God,  from  whom  as  from 
their  fountain  all  things  proceed ;  in  whom  finally  all 
the  Saints  do  rest  as  in  their  highest  fruition. 

If  a  man  had  but  one  spark  of  true  charity,  he 
would  certainly  discern  that  all  earthly  things  are 
full  of  vanity. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
Of  Bearing  with  the  Faults  of  Others, 
'THOSE  things  that  a  man  cannot  amend  in  him- 


self  or  in  others,  he  ought  to  suffer  patiently, 
until  God  order  them  otherwise. 

Think  that  perhaps  it  is  better  so  for  thy  trial  and 
patience,  without  which  all  our  good  deeds  are  not 
much  to  be  esteemed. 

Thou  oughtest  to  pray  notwithstanding  when  thou 

^  Phil.  ii.  21 ;  I  Cor.  xiii.  5.  ^  Psalm  xvii.  15;  xxiv.  6. 


hast  such  impediments,  that  God  would  vouchsafe  to 
help  thee,  and  that  thou  mayest  bear  them  rightly.^ 

2.  If  one  that  is  once  or  twice  warned  will  not 
give  over,  contend  not  with  him  :  but  commit  all  to 
God,  that  His  will  may  be  done,^  and  His  name  hon- 
ored in  all  His  servants,  who  well  knoweth  how  to 
turn  evil  into  good. 

Endeavor  to  be  patient  in  bearing  with  the  defects 
and  infirmities  of  others,  of  what  sort  soever  they  be  : 
for  that  thyself  also  hast  many  failings  which  must 
be  borne  with  by  others.^ 

If  thou  canst  not  make  thyself  such  an  one  as  thou 
wouldest,  how  canst  thou  expect  to  have  another  in 
all  things  to  thy  liking? 

We  would  willingly  have  others  perfect,  and  yet 
we  amend  not  our  own  faults. 

3.  We  will  have  others  severely  corrected,  and 
will  not  be  corrected  ourselves. 

The  large  liberty  of  others  displeaseth  us ;  and  yet 
we  will  not  have  our  own  desires  denied  us. 

We  will  have  others  kept  under  by  strict  laws ;  but 
in  no  sort  will  ourselves  be  restrained. 

And  thus  it  appeareth,  how  seldom  we  weigh  our 
neighbor  in  the  same  balance  with  ourselves. 

If  all  men  were  perfect,  what  should  we  have  to 
suffer  of  our  neighbor  for  the  sake  of  God  ? 

4.  But  now  God  hath  thus  ordered  it,  that  we  may 
learn  to  bear  one  another's  burdens ;  ^  for  no  man  is 
without  fault ;  no  man  but  hath  his  burden ;  no  man 


^  Matt.  vi.  13;  Luke  xi.  4. 
^  I  Thess.  v.  14;  Gal.  vi.  i. 


2  Matt.  vi.  10. 
4  Gal.  vi.  2. 


is  sufficient  of  himself;  no  man  is  wise  enough  of 
himself;  but  we  ought  to  bear  with  one  another, 
comfort  one  another,  help,  instruct,  and  admonish  one 
another.^ 

Occasions  of  adversity  best  discover  how  great 
virtue  or  strength  each  one  hath. 

For  occasions  do  not  make  a  man  frail,  but  they 
show  what  he  is. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

0/  Life  in  a  Religious  Com7nunity, 

nPHOU  must  learn  to  break  thine  own  will  in  many 
things,  if  thou   wilt  have   peace   and  concord 
with  others.2 

It  is  no  small  matter  to  dwell  in  a  religious  com- 
munity, or  monastery,  to  hold  thy  place  there  with- 
out giving  offence,  and  to  continue  faithful  even  unto 
death.^ 

Blessed  is  he  that  hath  there  lived  well,  and  ended 
happily. 

If  thou  wilt  stand  firm  and  grow  as  thou  oughest,^ 
esteem  thyself  as  a  pilgrim  and  stranger  upon  earth.^ 

Thou  must  be  contented  for  Christ's  sake  to  be  es- 
teemed as  a  fool  in  this  world,  if  thou  desire  to  lead 
the  life  of  a  monk. 

2.  Dress  and  tonsure  profit  little;  but  change  of 
heart  and  perfect  mortification  of  the  passions  make 
a  true  monk. 


^  I  Thess.  V.  14;  I  Cor.  xii.  25.  ^  Luke  xvi.  10. 
2  Gal.  vi.  I.  Pet.  ii.  11. 


He  that  seeketb  anything  else  but  merely  God,  and 
the  salvation  of  his  soul,  shall  find  nothing  but  tribu- 
lation and  sorrows.^ 

Neither  can  he  remain  long  in  peace,  that  laboreth 
not  to  be  the  least,  and  subject  unto  all. 

3.  Thou  camest  to  serve,  not  to  rule.^  Know  that 
thou  wast  called  to  suffer  and  to  labor,  and  not  to  be 
idle,  nor  to  spend  thy  time  in  talk. 

Here  therefore  men  are  proved  as  gold  in  the  fur- 
nace. 

Here  no  man  can  stand,  unless  he  humble  himself 
with  his  whole  heart  for  the  love  of  God. 

CHAPTER  XVin. 
Of  the  Examples  of  the  Holy  Fathers, 

CONSIDER  the  lively  examples  of  the  holy  Fa- 
thers, in  whom  true  perfection  and  religion 
shone ;  ^  and  thou  shalt  see  how  little  it  is,  and 
almost  nothing,  which  we  do  now  in  these  days. 
Alas  !  what  is  our  life,  if  we  be  compared  to  them  ! 
The  Saints  and  friends  of  Christ  served  the  Lord 
in  hunger  and  thirst,  in  cold  and  nakedness,  in  labor 
and  weariness,  in  watchings  and  fastings,  in  prayer 
and  holy  meditations,  in  many  persecutions  and  re- 
proaches. 

2.  O  how  many  and  grievous  tribulations  suffered 
the  Apostles,  Martys,  Confessors,  Virgins,  and  all 
the  rest  that  endeavored  to  follow  the  steps  of  Christ ! 


1  Eccles.  i.  17, 18;  Ecclus.  i.  18.    2  Matt.  xx.  26.    '  Heb.  xL 


For  they  hated  their  lives  in  this  world,  that  they 
might  keep  them  unto  life  eternal.^ 

O  how  strict  and  self-renouncing  a  life  led  those 
holy  Fathers  in  the  wilderness  How  long  and 
grievous  temptations  suffered  they !  How  often  were 
they  assaulted  by  the  enemy !  What  frequent  and 
fervent  prayers  offered  they  to  God  !  What  rigorous 
abstinences  did  they  use  !  How  great  zeal  and  care 
had  they  of  their  spiritual  advancement!  How 
strong  a  combat  had  they  for  the  overcoming  of  their 
lusts !  What  pure  and  upright  intentions  kept  they 
towards  God ! 

In  the  day  they  labored ;  and  in  the  night  they 
attended  to  continual  prayer :  although  even  while 
they  labored,  they  never  ceased  from  mental  prayer. 

3.  They  spent  all  their  time  with  profit;  every 
hour  seemed  but  short  for  the  service  of  God.  And 
by  reason  of  the  great  sweetness  they  felt  in  contem- 
plation, they  forgot  the  necessity  of  refreshment  for 
the  body. 

They  renounced  all  riches,  dignities,  honors, 
friends,  and  kinsfolk ;  ^  they  desired  to  have  nothing 
which  appertained  to  the  world ;  they  scarce  took  the 
necessaries  of  life  ;  they  grudged  even  the  necessary 
care  of  the  body. 

Therefore  they  were  poor  in  earthly  things,  but 
very  rich  in  grace  and  virtues. 

Outwardly  they  were  destitute,  but  inwardly  they 
were  refreshed  with  grace  and  divine  consolation. 

4.  They  were  strangers  to  the  world,  but  near  and 
familiar  friends  to  God.^ 

1  John  xiL  25.  »  Matt.  xix.  29. 


James  iv.  4. 


They  seemed  to  themselves  as  nothing,  and  to  this 
present  world  despicable ;  but  were  precious  and  be- 
loved in  the  eyes  of  God. 

They  were  grounded  in  true  humihty,  they  lived  in 
simple  obedience,  they  walked  in  love  and  patience : 
and  therefore  they  grew  daily  in  the  Spirit,  and  ob- 
tained great  grace  in  God's  sight. 

They  were  given  for  an  example  to  all  Religious 
persons ;  ^  and  they  should  more  provoke  us  to  en- 
deavor after  spiritual  advancement,  than  the  number 
of  the  lukewarm  livers  should  prevail  to  make  us 
remiss. 

5.  O  how  great  was  the  fervor  of  all  Religious 
persons  in  the  beginning  of  their  holy  institution ! 

How  great  was  their  devotion  to  prayer!  What 
ambition  to  excel  others  in  virtue  !  What  exact  dis- 
cipline then  flourished !  How  great  reverence  and 
obedience,  under  the  rule  of  their  superiors,  observed 
they  in  all  things  ! 

Their  footsteps  yet  remaining  testify  that  they 
were  indeed  holy  and  perfect  men ;  who  fighting  so 
valiantly  trod  the  world  under  their  feet. 

Among  us  he  is  greatly  accounted  of,  who  is  not  a 
transgressor,  and  who  can  with  patience  endure  that 
which  he  hath  received. 

6.  O  the  lukewarmness  and  negligence  of  our 
times !  that  we  so  quickly  decline  from  the  ancient 
fervor,  and  are  come  to  that  pass,  that  very  sloth 
and  lukewarmness  of  spirit  make  our  life  tedious 
unto  us. 


*  Used  here  to  signify  persons  living  under  a  monastic  rule. 


Would  to  God  the  desire  to  grow  in  virtues  did  not 
wholly  sleep  in  thee,  who  hast  often  seen  the  many 
examples  of  religious  persons  ! 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
0/  the  Exercises  of  a  Good  Religious  Person, 

THE  life  of  a  good  Religious  person  ought  to  excel 
in  all  virtues  ;i    that  he  may  inwardly  be  such 
as  outwardly  he  seemeth  to  men. 

And  rightly  there  ought  to  be  much  more  within 
than  is  perceived  without.  For  God  beholdeth  us ;  ^ 
whom  we  are  bound  most  highly  to  reverence  where- 
soever we  are,  and  to  walk  in  purity  ^  like  angels  in 
His  sight. 

Daily  ought  we  to  renew  our  purposes,  and  to  stir 
up  ourselves  to  greater  fervor,  as  though  this  w^ere 
the  first  day  of  our  conversion,  and  to  say, 

Help  me,  my  God,  in  this  my  good  purpose,  and 
in  Thy  holy  service ;  and  grant  that  I  may  now  this 
day  begin  perfectly;  for  that  which  I  have  done 
hitherto  is  as  nothing." 

2.  According  to  our  purpose  shall  be  the  success 
of  our  spiritual  profiting;  and  much  diligence  is 
necessary  to  him  that  will  profit  much. 

And  if  he  that  firmly  purposeth  often  faileth,  what 
shall  he  do  that  seldom  or  but  weakly  purposeth  any- 
thing ? 


'  Matt.  V.  48.^  8  Psalm  xv.  2. 

*  Psalm  xxxiii.  13;  Heb.  iv.  12,  13. 


42 


Yet  in  various  ways  it  happens  that  we  forsake 
our  purpose,  and  a  slight  omission  of  our  spiritual 
exercises  is  not  without  loss  to  our  souls. 

The  purpose  of  just  men  depends  not  upon  their 
own  wisdom,  but  upon  God's  grace ;  on  whom  they 
always  rely  for  whatsoever  they  take  in  hand. 

For  man  proposes,  but  God  disposes ;  ^  neither  is 
the  way  of  man  in  himself. 

3.  If  an  accustomed  exercise  be  sometimes  omit- 
ted, either  for  some  act  of  piety,  or  profit  to  our 
brother;  it  may  easily  afterwards  be  recovered  again. 

But  if,  out  of  weariness  or  carelessness,  we  lightly 
omit  it,  it  is  very  blameworthy,  and  will  be  felt  to  be 
hurtful.  Do  the  best  we  can,  we  shall  still  too  easily 
fail  in  many  things.^ 

Yet  must  we  always  have  some  fixed  purpose, 
and  especially  against  those  sins  which  do  most  of 
all  hinder  us. 

We  must  diligently  search  into,  and  set  in  order 
both  our  outward  and  inward  things,  because  both 
of  them  are  of  importance  to  our  progress  in  god- 
liness. 

4.  If  thou  canst  not  continually  collect  thyself,  yet 
do  it  sometimes,  at  the  least  twice  a  day,  namely,  in 
the  morning  and  at  night. 

In  the  morning  fix  thy  good  purpose  ;  and  at  night 
examine  thyself  what  thou  hast  done,  how  thou  hast 
behaved  thyself  in  word,  deed,  and  thought ;  ^  for  in 
these  perhaps  thou  hast  oftentimes  offended  both 
God  and  thy  neighbor. 

1  Prov.  xvi.  9.        2  Eccles.  vii.  20.   _   ^  Deut.  iv 


Gird  up  thy  loins  like  a  man  against  the  vile  as- 
saults of  the  devil;  bridle  thy  riotous  appetite,  and 
thou  shalt  be  the  better  able  to  keep  under  all  the 
unruly  motions  of  the  flesh. 

Never  be  entirely  idle ;  but  either  be  reading,  or 
writing,  or  praying,  or  meditating,  or  endeavoring 
something  for  the  public  good. 

As  for  bodily  exercises  they  must  be  used  with 
discretion,  neither  are  they  to  be  practised  of  all  men 
alike. 

5.-  Those  devotions  which  belong  not  to  the  com- 
munity ought  not  to  be  exposed  to  public  view;  for 
private  devotions  are  practised  most  safely  in  secret. 

Nevertheless  thou  must  beware  thou  neglect  not 
those  which  are  public,  being  more  ready  for  what  is 
private.  But  having  fully  and  faithfully  accomplished 
all  which  thou  art  bound  and  enjoined  to  do,  if  thou 
hast  any  spare  time,  betake  thee  to  thyself,  as  thy  de- 
votion calleth  thee. 

All  cannot  use  one  kind  of  spiritual  exercise,  but 
one  is  more  useful  for  this  person,  another  for  that. 

According  to  the  seasonableness  of  times  also, 
divers  exercises  are  fitting;  some  suit  better  with  us 
on  working  days,  others  on  holy  days. 

In  the  time  of  temptation,  we  have  n^ed  of  some, 
and  of  others  in  time  of  peace  and  quietness. 

Some  suit  us  when  we  are  pensive,  and  others  when 
we  rejoice  in  the  Lord. 

6.  About  the  time  of  the  chief  festivals,  good  ex- 
ercises are  to  be  renewed,  and  the  prayers  of  godly 
saints  more  fervently  to  be  implored. 

From  festival  to  festival  we  should  purpose,  as 


though  we  were  then  to  depart  out  of  this  world,  and 
to  come  to  the  everlasting  festival. 

Therefore  ought  we  carefully  to  prepare  ourselves 
at  holy  times,  and  to  live  more  devoutly,  and  to  keep 
more  exactly  all  things  that  we  are  to  observe,  as 
though  we  were  shortly  at  God's  hands  to  receive  the 
reward  of  our  labors. 

7.  But  if  that  reward  be  deferred,  let  us  think  with 
ourselves  that  we  are  not  sufficiently  prepared,  and 
unworthy  yet  of  so  great  glory  which  shall  be  revealed 
in  us^  in  due  time;  and  let  us  endeavor  to  prepare 
ourselves  better  for  our  departure. 

Blessed  is  that  servant  (saith  the  Evangelist  St. 
Luke)  whom  his  Lord  when  He  cometh  shall  find 
watching:  Verily,  I  say  unto  you,  He  shall  make  Him 
ruler  over  all  His  goods."  2 

CHAPTER  XX. 
Of  the  Love  of  Solitude  and  Silence, 

SEEK  a  convenient  time^  of  leisure  for  thyself,  and 
meditate  often  upon  God's  loving-kindness. 
Meddle  not  with  things  too  high  for  thee;  but  read 
such  things  as  may  rather  yield  compunction  to  thy 
heart  than  occupation  to  thy  head. 

If  thou  wilt  withdraw  thyself  from  speaking  vainly, 
and  from  gadding  idly,  as  also  from  hearkening  after 
novelties  and  rumors,  thou  shalt  find  leisure  enough 
and  suitable  for  meditation  on  good  things. 


*  Rom.  viii.  18.  ^  Eccles.  iii.  i. 

^  Luke  xii.  43,  44;  Matt.  xxiv.  46,  47. 


The  greatest  Saints  avoided  the  society  of  men,^ 
when  they  could  conveniently  ;  and  did  rather  choose 
to  live  to  God  in  secret. 

2.  One  said,  "  As  oft  as  I  have  been  among  men,  I 
returned  home  less  a  man  than  I  was  before."  ^ 

And  this  we  find  true,  when  we  talk  long  together. 
It  is  easier  not  to  speak  at  all,  than  not  to  exceed  in 
speech. 

It  is  easier  for  a  man  to  lie  hid  at  home,  than  to  be 
able  sufficiently  to  watch  over  himself  abroad. 

He  therefore  that  intends  to  attain  to  the  more  in- 
ward and  spiritual  things  of  religion,  must  with  Je- 
sus depart  from  the  multitude  and  press  of  people  !^ 

No  man  doth  safely  appear  abroad,  but  he  who  can 
abide  at  home. 

No  man  doth  safely  speak,  but  he  that  is  glad  to 
hold  his  peace.^ 

No  man  doth  safely  rule,  but  he  that  is  glad  to  be 
ruled. 

No  man  doth  safely  rule,  but  he  that  hath  learned 
gladly  to  obey. 

3.  No  man  rejoiceth  safely,  unless  he  hath  within 
him  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience. 

And  yet  always  the  security  of  the  Saints  was  full 
of  the  fear  of  God. 

Neither  were  they  the  less  anxious  and  humble  in 
themselves,  for  that  they  shone  outwardly  with  grace 
and  great  virtues. 

But  the  security  of  bad  men  ariseth  from  pride 
and  presumption,  and  in  the  end  it  deceiveth  them. 


1  Heb.  xi.  38. 

2  Seneca,  Ep.  vii. 


3  Matt.  V.  I. 
^  Eccles.  ii.  7. 


46  #f  iht  'govt  of  ^olxinAt  mA  ^ilmt. 


Although  thou  seem  to  be  a  good  Religious  person, 
or  a  devout  solitary,  yet  never  promise  thyself  secu. 
rity  in  this  life. 

4.  Oftentimes  those  who  have  been  in  the  greatest 
esteem  and  account  amongst  men  have  fallen  into  th& 
greatest  danger,  by  overmuch  self-confidence. 

Wherefore  to  many  it  is  more  profitable  not  to  be 
altogether  free  from  temptations,  but  to  be  often  as- 
saulted, lest  they  should  feel  too  safe,  and  so  perhaps 
be  puffed  up  with  pride ;  or  else  should  too  freely 
give  themselves  to  worldly  comforts. 

O  how  good  a  conscience  would  he  keep,  that 
would  never  seek  after  transitory  joy,  nor  ever  en- 
tangle himself  with  the  world  ! 

O  what  great  peace  and  quietness  would  he  pos- 
sess, that  would  cut  off  all  vain  anxiety,  and  think 
only  upon  divine  things,  and  such  as  are  profitable 
for  his  soul,  and  would  place  all  his  confidence  in 
God ! 

5.  No  man  is  worthy  of  heavenly  comfort,  unless 
he  have  diligently  exercised  himself  in  holy  com- 
punction. 

If  thou  desirest  true  contrition  of  heart,  enter  into 
thy  secret  chamber,  and  shut  out  the  tumults  of  the 
world,  as  it  is  written,  "  Commune  with  your  own 
heart,  and  in  your  chamber,  and  be  still."  ^  In  thy 
chamber  thou  shalt  find  what  abroad  thou  shalt  too 
often  lose. 

The  more  thou  visitest  thy  chamber,  the  more  thou 
wilt  enjoy  it;  the  less  thou  comest  thereunto,  the 
more  thou  wilt  loathe  it.    If  in  the  beginning  of  thy 


1  Psalm  iv.  4. 


conversion  thou  art  content  to  remain  in  it,  and  keep 
to  it  well,  it  will  afterwards  be  to  thee  a  dear  friend, 
and  a  most  pleasant  comfort. 

6.  In  silence  and  in  stillness  a  religious  soul  ad- 
vantageth  itself,  and  learneth  the  mysteries  of  Holy 
Scripture. 

There  it  findeth  rivers  of  tears,  wherein  it  may 
every  night ^  wash  and  cleanse  itself;  that  it  may  be 
so  much  the  more  familiar  with  its  Creator,  by  how 
much  the  farther  off  it  liveth  from  all  worldly  dis- 
quiet. 

Whoso  therefore  withdraweth  himself  from  his  ac- 
quaintance and  friends,  God  will  draw  near  unto  him 
with  His  holy  angels. 

It  is  better  for  a  man  to  live  privately,  and  to  have 
regard  to  himself,  than  to  neglect  his  soul,  though  he 
could  work  wonders  in  the  world. 

It  is  commendable  in  a  Religious  person  seldom  ta 
go  abroad,  to  be  unwilling  to  see  or  to  be  seen. 

7,  Why  art  thou  desirous  to  see  that  which  it  is 
unlawful  for  thee  to  have  ?  The  world  passeth  away 
and  the  lust  thereof. 

The  lusts  of  the  flesh  draw  us  to  rove  abroad;  but 
when  the  time  is  past,  what  earnest  thou  home  with 
thee  but  a  burdened  conscience  and  a  distracted 
heart  ? 

A  merry  going  forth  bringeth  often  a  mournful 
return;  and  a  joyful  night  maketh  often  a  sad 
morning.2 

So  all  carnal  joy  enters  gently,  but  in  the  end  it 
bites  and  stings  to  death. 


*  Psalm  vi.  6. 


2  Prov.  xiv.  13. 


48 


What  canst  thou  see  elsewhere,  which  thou  canst 
not  see  here  ?  ^  Behold  the  Heaven  and  the  earth  and 
all  the  elements  ;  for  of  these  are  all  things  created. 

8.  What  canst  thou  see  anywhere  that  can  long 
continue  under  the  sun? 

Thou  thinkest  perchance  to  satisfy  thyself,  but  thou 
canst  never  attain  it. 

Couldst  thou  see  all  things  present  before  thine 
eyes,  what  were  it  but  a  vain  sight  ?  ^ 

Lift  up  thine  eyes  ^  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  pray 
Him  to  pardon  thy  sins  and  negligences. 

Leave  vain  things  to  the  vain;  but  be  thou  intent 
upon  those  things  which  God  hath  commanded  thee. 

Shut  thy  door  upon  thee,^  and  call  unto  thee  Jesus, 
thy  Beloved. 

Stay  with  Him  in  thy  closet;  for  thou  shalt  not 
find  so  great  peace  anywhere  else. 

If  thou  hadst  not  gone  abroad  and  hearkened  to 
idle  rumors,  thou  wouldst  the  better  have  preserved 
a  happy  peace  of  mind.  But  since  thou  delightest 
sometimes  to  hear  new  things,  it  is  but  fit  thou  suffer 
for  it  some  disquietude  of  heart. 

CHAPTER  XXL 

0/  Coynpunction  of  Heart, 

TF  thou  wilt  make  any  progress  in  godliness,  keep 
thyself  in  the  fear  of  God,^  and  affect  not  too 


Eccles.  i.  TO.  3  Psalm  cxxi.  i.  ^  Prov.  xix.  23. 
Eccles.  iii.  11.      *  Matt.  vi.  6. 


much  liberty.  Restrain  all  thy  senses  under  disci- 
pline, and  give  not  thyself  over  to  foolish  mirth. 

Give  thyself  to  compunction  of  heart,  and  thou 
shalt  gain  much  devotion  thereby. 

Compunction  layeth  open  much  good,  which  disso- 
luteness is  wont  quickly  to  destroy. 

It  is  a  wonder  that  any  man  can  ever  perfectly  re- 
joice in  this  life  if  he  duly  consider,  and  thoroughly 
weigh  his  state  of  banishment,  and  the  many  perils 
wherewith  his  soul  is  environed. 

2.  Through  levity  of  heart,  and  small  care  for  our 
failings,  we  feel  not  the  real  sorrows  of  our  souls ;  and 
so  oftentimes  we  vainly  laugh,  when  we  have  just 
cause  to  weep. 

There  is  no  true  liberty  nor  right  joy  but  in  the  fear 
of  God  accompanied  with  a  good  conscience. 

Happy  is  he  who  can  cast  off  all  distracting  impedi- 
ments, and  bring  himself  to  the  one  single  purpose  of 
holy  compunction. 

Happy  is  he  who  can  abandon  all  that  may  defile 
his  conscience  or  burden  it. 

Contend  manfully ;  one  habit  overcometh  another. 

If  thou  canst  let  others  alone  in  their  matters,  they 
likewise  will  not  hinder  thee  in  thine. 

3.  Busy  not  thyself  in  matters  which  appertain  to 
others;  neither  do  thou  entangle  thyself  with  the 
affairs  of  thy  betters. 

Still  have  an  eye  to  thyself  first,  and  be  sure  more 
especially  to  admonish  thyself  before  all  thy  friends. 

If  thou  hast  not  the  favor  of  men,  be  not  grieved  at 
it ;  1  but  take  this  to  heart,  that  thou  dost  not  be- 


1  Gal.  i.  10. 


50 


have  thyself  so  warily  and  circumspectly  as  it  be- 
Cometh  the  servant  of  God,  and  a  devout,  religious 
man. 

It  is  better  oftentimes  and  safer  that  a  man  should 
not  have  many  consolations  in  this  life,^  especially 
such  as  are  according  to  the  flesh. 

But  that  we  have  not  divine  consolations  at  all,  or 
do  very  seldom  taste  them,  the  fault  is  ours,  because 
we  seek  not  after  compunction  of  heart,  nor  do  alto- 
gether forsake  the  vain  and  outward  comforts  of  this 
world. 

4.  Know  that  thou  art  unworthy  of  divine  consola- 
tion, and  that  thou  hast  rather  deserved  much  tribula- 
tion. 

When  a  man  hath  perfect  compunction,  then  is  the 
whole  world  grievous  and  bitter  unto  him.^ 

A  good  man  findeth  always  sufficient  cause  for 
mourning  and  weeping. 

For  whether  he  consider  his  own  or  his  neighbor's 
estate,  he  knoweth  that  none  liveth  here  without  trib- 
ulation. 

And  the  more  narrowly  a  man  looketh  into  himself, 
so  much  the  more  he  sorroweth. 

Our  sins  and  wickednesses  wherein  we  lie  so  en- 
wrapt,  that  we  can  seldom  apply  ourselves  to  heavenly 
contemplations,  do  minister  unto  us  matter  of  just 
sorrow  and  inward  compunction. 

5.  Didst  thou  oftener  think  of  thy  death  ^  than  oi 
length  of  life,  there  is  no  question  but  thou  wouldst 
be  more  zealous  to  amend. 


1  Psalm  Ixxvi.  5.  ^  Eccles.  vii.  i,  2. 

2  Judges  ii.  4;  xx.  26;  2  Kings  xiii. 


If  also  thou  didst  but  consider  within  thyself  the 
infernal  pains  in  the  other  world/  I  believe  thou 
wouldst  willingly  undergo  any  labor  or  sorrow  in 
this  world,  and  not  be  afraid  of  the  greatest  austerity. 

But  because  these  things  enter  not  the  heart,  an(/ 
we  still  love  those  things  only  that  delight  us,  there 
fore  it  is  we  remain  cold  and  very  dull  in  religion. 

6.  It  is  often  our  want  of  spirituality  \vhich  male 
eth  our  miserable  body  so  easily  to  complain. 

Pray  therefore  unto  the  Lord  with  all  humility, 
that  He  will  vouchsafe  to  give  thee  the  spirit  of 
compunction.  And  say  with  the  Prophet,  Feed  me, 
O  Lord,  with  the  bread  of  tears,  and  give  me  plen- 
teousness  of  tears  to  drink."  2 

CHAPTER  XXIL 

Of  the  Consideration  of  Human  Misery, 

AyflSERABLE  thou  art,  wheresoever  thou  be,  or 
whithersoever  thou  turnest,  unless  thou  turn 
thyself  unto  God. 

Why  art  thou  troubled  when  things  succeed  not  as 
thou  wouldst  or  desirest.^*  For  who  is  he  that  hath 
all  things  according  to  his  mind.^^  neither  I,  nor  thou, 
nor  any  man  upon  earth. 

There  is  none  in  this  world,  even  though  he  be  king 
or  bishop,  without  some  tribulation  or  perplexity.  . 

Who  is  then  in  the  best  case  ?  even  he  who  is  able 
to  suffer  something  for  God. 

2.    Many  weak  and  infirm  persons  say,  Behold 


1  Matt.  XXV.  41.        2  Psalm  Ixxx.  5.       ^  Eccles.  vi.  2. 


what  a  happy  life  such  an  one  leads  ;  ^  how  wealthy, 
how  great  he  is,  in  what  power  and  dignity ! 

But  lift  up  thine  eyes  to  the  riches  of  Heaven,  and 
thou  shalt  see  that  all  the  goods  of  this  life  are 
nothing  to  be  accounted  of.  They  are  very  uncertain, 
and  rather  burdensome  than  otherwise,  because  they 
are  never  possessed  without  anxiety  and  fear. 

Man's  happiness  consisteth  not  in  having  abun- 
dance of  temporal  goods,^  but  a  moderate  portion  is 
sufficient  for  him. 

Truly  it  is  misery  even  to  live  upon  the  earth.^ 

The  more  spiritual  a  man  desires  to  be,  the  more 
bitter  does  this  present  life  become  to  him ;  because 
he  sees  more  clearly  and  perceives  more  sensibly 
the  defects  of  human  corruption. 

For  to  eat  and  to  drink,  to  sleep  and  to  watch,  to 
labor  and  to  rest,  and  to  be  subject  to  other  necessi- 
ties of  nature,  is  doubtless  a  great  misery  and  afflic- 
tion to  a  religious  man,  who  would  gladly  be  set 
loose,  and  freed  from  all  sin. 

3.  For  the  inward  man  is  much  weighed  down  in 
this  world  by  the  needs  of  the  body. 

Therefore  the  Prophet  prayeth  with  great  devotion 
to  be  enabled  to  be  free  from  them,  saying,  "  Bring 
thou  me  out  of  my  distresses."^ 

But  woe  be  to  them  that  know  not  their  own 
misery;  and  a  greater  woe  to  them  that  love  this 
miserable  and  corruptible  life  1  ^ 

For  some  there  be  who  so  much  dote  upon  it,  that 
although  by  labor  or  by  begging  they  can  scarce  get 


^  Luke  xii.  19.  ^  Prov.  xix.  i.  ^  Job  xiv.  i ;  Eccles.  ii.  17. 
~  Psalm  XXV.  17.  ^  Rom.  viii.  22. 


mere  necessaries,  yet  if  they  might  be  able  to  live 
here  always,  they  would  care  nothing  at  all  for  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

4.  O  how  senseless  are  these  men  and  unbelieving 
in  heart,  who  lie  so  deeply  sunk  in  the  earth,  that  the} 
can  relish  nothing  but  carnal  things  !  ^ 

But  miserable  as  they  are,  they  shall  in  the  end  f  ee^ 
to  their  cost  how  vile  and  how  nothing  that  was  whicl: 
they  loved. 

Whereas  the  saints  of  God  and  all  the  devout 
friends  of  Christ  regarded  not  those  things  which 
pleased  the  flesh,  nor  those  which  were  in  repute  in 
this  life,  but  longed  after  the  everlasting  riches  2  with 
their  whole  hope  and  earnest  effort. 

Their  whole  desire  was  carried  upward  to  things 
durable  and  invisible,  that  the  desire  of  things  visible 
might  not  draw  them  to  things  below. 

5.  O  my  brother,  cast  not  away  thy  confidence  of 
making  progress  in  godliness ;  there  is  yet  time,  the 
hour  is  not  yet  past.^ 

Why  wilt  thou  defer  thy  good  purpose  from  day  to 
day?  Arise  and  begin  in  this  very  instant,  and  say. 
Now  is  the  time  to  be  doing,  now  is  the  time  to  be 
striving,  now  is  the  fit  time  to  amend  myself. 

When  thou  art  ill  at  ease  and  much  troubled,  then 
is  the  time  of  earning  thy  reward. 

Thou  must  pass  through  fire  and  water*  before 
thou  come  to  a  wealthy  place. 

Unless  thou  doest  violence  to  thyself,  thou  shalt 
never  get  the  victory  over  sin. 


'  Rom.  viii.  5.  ^  Rom.  xiii.  11 ;  Heb.  x.  35. 

*  I  Pet.  i.  4 ;  Heb.  xi.  26.    ^  Psalm  xlvi.  12. 


So  long  as  we  carry  about  us  this  frail  body  of 
ours,  we  can  never  be  without  sin,  nor  live  without 
weariness  and  pain. 

We  w^ould  gladly  have  rest  from  all  misery,  but 
seeing  that  by  sin  we  have  lost  our  innocency,  we 
have  together  with  that  lost  also  the  true  felicity.^ 

Therefore  it  becomes  us  to  have  patience,  and  to 
wait  for  the  mercy  of  God,  till  this  tyranny  be  over- 
past, and  mortahty  be  swallowed  up  of  life.^ 

6.  O  how  great  is  human  frailty,  which  is  always 
prone  to  evil !  ^ 

To-day  thou  confessest  '1-7  sins,  and  to-morrow 
thou  committest  the  very  sarr  z  which  thou  hast  con- 
fessed. 

Now,  thou  art  purposed  to  look  well  unto  thy  ways, 
and  Avithin  a  w^hile  thou  so  behavest  thyself,  as  though 
thou  hadst  never  any  such  purpose  at  all. 

Good  cause  have  we  therefore  to  humble  ourselves,* 
and  never  to  have  any  great  conceit  of  ourselves : 
since  we  are  so  frail  and  so  inconstant. 

That  also  may  quickly  be  lost  by  our  own  negli- 
gence, which,  by  the  grace  of  God,  with  much  labor 
we  have  scarce  at  length  obtained. 

7.  What  will  become  of  us  in  the  end,  who  begin 
so  early  to  wax  lukewarm  ? 

Woe  be  unto  us,  if  we  will  so  give  ourselves  unto 
ease  as  if  all  were  now  peace  and  safety,  when  as  yet 
there  appeareth  no  sign  of  true  holiness  in  our  con- 
versation ! 

We  have  much  need  like  young  novices  to  be  newly 


1  Rom.  vii.  24;  Gen.  iii.  17.  ^  Gen.  vi.  5;  viii.  21. 

2  2  Cor.  v.  4.  ^2  Mac.  ix.  1 1. 


m  ^icAiUtxon  on  gath.  55 


instructed  again  to  good  life,  if  haply  there  be  some 
hope  of  future  amendment,  and  greater  proficiency 
in  things  spiritual. 


"ERY  quickly  there  will  be  an  end  of  thee  here ;  * 


^  see  therefore  to  thy  state:  to-day  man  is;  to- 
morrow he  is  gone. 

And  when  he  is  out  of  sight,  quickly  also  is  he  out 
of  mind. 

O  the  stupidity  and  hardness  of  man's  heart,  which 
thinketh  only  upon  the  present,  and  doth  not  rather 
care  for  what  is  to  come ! 

Thou  oughtest  so  to  order  thyself  in  all  thy  thoughts 
and  actions,  as  if  to-day  thou  wert  to  die.^ 

If  thou  hadst  a  good  conscience,  thou  wouldst  not 
greatly  fear  death 

It  were  better  to  avoid  sin,  than  to  escape  death.^ 

If  to-day  thou  art  not  prepared,  how  wilt  thou  be  so 
to-morrow?^ 

To-morrow  is  uncertain,  and  how  knowest  thou  that 
thou  shalt  live  till  to-morrow  ? 

2.  What  availeth  it  to  live  long,  when  there  is  so 
small  amendment  in  us  ? 

Alas  !  length  of  days  doth  not  always  better  us,  but 
often  rather  increaseth  our  sin. 

^  Job  ix.  25,  26;  xiv.  I,  2;  Luke  xii.  20;  Heb.  ix.  27. 


CHAPTER  XXIIL 


Of  Meditation  on  Death. 


2  Matt.  XXV.  13. 
*  Luke  xii.  37. 


*  Wisd.  iv.  16. 

*  Matt,  xxiv,  44 ;  xxv.  lo. 


56  m  Pediteti0»  m  §m\u 


O  that  we  had  spent  but  one  day  in  this  world 
thoroughly  well ! 

Many  there  are  who  reckon  years  of  conversion; 
and  yet  full  slender  oftentimes  is  the  fruit  of  amend- 
ment. 

If  to  die  be  accounted  dreadful,  to  live  long  may 
perhaps  prove  more  dangerous. 

Happy  is  he  that  always  hath  the  hour  of  his 
death  before  his  eyes,^  and  daily  prepareth  himself  to 
die. 

If  at  any  time  thou  hast  seen  another  man  die, 
make  account  that  thou  must  also  pass  the  same  way. 

3.  When  it  is  morning,  think  that  thou  mayest  die 
before  night ; 

And  when  evening  comes,  dare  not  to  promise  thy- 
self the  next  morning. 

Be  thou  therefore  always  in  readiness,  and  so  lead 
thy  life  that  death  may  never  take  thee  unprepared.^ 

Many  die  suddenly  and  when  they  look  not  for  it ; 
for  the  Son  of  Man  will  come  in  an  hour  when  we 
think  not."* 

When  that  last  hour  shall  come,  thou  wilt  begin  to 
have  a  far  different  opinion  of  thy  whole  life  that  is 
past,  and  be  exceeding  sorry  that  thou  hast  been  so 
careless  and  remiss. 

4.  O  how  wise  and  happy  is  he  that  now  laboreth 
to  be  such  an  one  in  his  life,  as  he  will  desire  to  be 
found  at  the  hour  of  death  ! 

A  perfect  contempt  of  the  world,^  a  fervent  desire 
'"o  go  forward  in  all  virtue,  a  love  of  discipline,  a 


^  Eccles.  vii.  i.  ^  Heb.  ix.  27.  '  Luke  xxi.  36. 
*  Malt.  xxiv.  44;  Luke  xii.  40,  ^  Ecclus.  xli.  i. 


laborious  repentance,  a  ready  obedience,  a  denying 
of  ourselves,  and  an  endurance  of  any  affliction  what- 
soever for  the  love  of  Christ,  will  give  us  great  confi- 
dence that  we  shall  die  happily. 

Whilst  thou  art  in  health  thou  mayest  do  much 
good  :  but  when  thou  art  sick,  I  see  not  what  thou 
wilt  be  able  to  do. 

Few  by  sickness  grow  better  and  more  reformed ; 
so  also  they  who  wander  much  abroad,  seldom  there- 
by become  holy. 

5.  Trust  not  to  friends  and  kindred,  neither  da 
thou  put  off  the  care  of  thy  soul's  welfare  till  here- 
after; for  men  will  forget  thee,  sooner  than  thou  art 
aware  of. 

It  is  better  to  look  to  it  betime,  and  to  send  some 
good  before  thee,  than  to  trust  to  other  men's  help.^ 

If  thou  be  not  careful  for  thyself  now,  who  will  be 
careful  for  thee  hereafter  ? 

Time  now  is  very  precious  :  now  is  the  day  of  sal- 
vation ;  now  is  the  accepted  time. 

But  alas!  that  thou  shouldst  spend  time  so  idly 
here,  in  which  thou  mightest  purchase  life  eternal. 

The  time  will  come,  when  thou  shalt  desire  one 
day  or  hour  to  amend  in,  and  I  know  not  that  it  will 
be  granted  thee. 

6.  O  beloved,  from  how  great  danger  mightest 
thou  deliver  thyself,  from  how  great  fear  free  thy- 
self, if  thou  wouldst  be  ever  fearful  and  mindful  of 
death! 

Labor  now  so  to  live,  that  at  the  hour  of  death  thou 
mayest  rather  rejoice  than  fear. 


Isaiah  xxx.  5;  xxxi.  i ;  Jer.  xvii.  5;  xlviii.  7 ;  Matt.  vi.  20» 


^8  m  ^tAimion  mx 


Learn  now  to  die  to  the  world,  that  thou  mayest 
then  begin  to  live  with  Christ.^ 

Learn  now  to  contemn  all  things,^  that  thou  mayest 
then  freely  go  to  Christ. 

Chastise  thy  body  now  by  repentance,^  that  thou 
mayest  then  have  assured  confidence. 

7.  Ah  !  fool,  why  dost  thou  think  to  live  long,  when 
<hou  canst  not  promise  to  thyself  one  day.** 

How  many  have  been  deceived  and  suddenly 
snatched  away! 

How  often  dost  thou  hear  these  reports,  Such  a 
man  is  slain,  another  man  is  drowned,  a  third  has 
broken  his  neck  with  a  fall  from  some  high  place, 
this  man  died  eating,  and  that  man  playing!  One 
perished  by  fire,  another  by  the  sword,  another  of 
the  plague,  another  was  slain  by  thieves.  Thus  death 
is  the  end  of  all,  and  man's  life  suddenly  passeth 
away  like  a  shadow.-^ 

8.  Who  shall  remember  thee  when  thou  art  dead  ? 
and  who  shall  pray  for  thee  ? 

Do  now,  even  now,  my  beloved,  whatsoever  thou 
art  able  to  do ;  for  thou  knowest  not  when  thou  shalt 
die,  nor  yet  what  shall  befall  thee  after  thy  death. 

Now,  whilst  thou  hast  time,  heap  unto  thyself  ever- 
lasting riches.6 

Think  on  nothing  but  the  salvation  of  thy  soul, 
care  for  nothing  but  the  things  of  God. 

Make  now  friends  to  thyself  by  honoring  the  saints 
of  God,  and  imitating  their  actions,  that  when  thou 

^  Rom.  vi.  I.        ^  Luke  xii.  20. 
2  Luke  xiv.  33.      ^  Job  xiv.  2. 

'  I  Cor.  ix.  27.      ^  Matt.  vi.  20;  Luke  xii.  33;  Gal.  vi.  8. 


failest,  they  may  receive  thee  into  everlasting  habi- 
tations.^ 

9.  Keep  thyself  as  a  stranger  and  pilgrim  upon 
the  earth,2  who  hath  nothing  to  do  with  the  affairs 
of  this  world. 

Keep  thy  heart  free,  and  lifted  up  to  God,  because 
thou  hast  here  no  abiding  city.^ 

Send  thither  thy  daily  prayers  and  sighs  together 
with  thy  tears,  that  after  death  thy  spirit  may  be 
found  worthy  to  pass  in  felicity  to  the  Lord.  Amen, 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Of  Judgtnent^  and  the  Punish^nent  of  Sinners, 

TN  all  things  look  to  the  end,  and  see  how  thou  wilt 
^  be  able  to  stand  before  that  severe  Judge'*  from 
whom  nothing  is  hid,  who  is  not  pacified  with  gifts, 
nor  admitteth  any  excuses,  but  will  judge  according 
to  right. 

O  wretched  and  foolish  sinner,  who  sometimes 
fearest  the  countenance  of  an  angry  man,  what 
answer  wilt  thou  make  to  God  who  knoweth  all  thy 
wickedness !  ^ 

Why  dost  thou  not  provide  for  thyself  ^  against  that 
great  day  of  judgment,  when  no  man  can  excuse  or 
answer  for  another,  but  every  one  shall  have  enpugh 
to  answer  for  himself! 

Now  may  thy  pains  profit,  thy  tears  be  accepted,^ 

^  Luke  xvi.  9;  Heb.  xi.    *  Heb.  xiii.  14.    ^  Job  ix.  2. 
2iPet.  ii.  II.  "^Heb.  X.  31.       *  Luke  xvi.  9, 

*^  2  Cor.  vi.  4. 


thy  groans  be  heard,  thy  grief  may  bring  thee  peace^ 
and  purge  thy  soul. 

2.  The  patient  man  hath  a  great  and  wholesome 
purgatory,^  who  though  he  receive  injuries,  yet  griev- 
eth  more  for  the  malice  of  another,  than  for  his  own 
suffering;  who  prayeth  willingly  for  his  adversaries,^ 
and  from  his  heart  forgiveth  their  offences.  He 
delayeth  not  to  ask  forgiveness  of  whomsoever  he 
hath  offended;  he  is  sooner  moved  to  compassion 
than  to  anger ;  lie  often  offereth  violence  to  himself, 
and  laboreth  to  bring  his  body  wholly  into  subjection 
to  the  spirit. 

It  is  better  to  purge  out  our  sins,  and  cut  off  our 
vices  here,  than  to  keep  them  to  be  punished  here- 
after. 

Verily  we  do  but  deceive  ourselves  through  an 
inordinate  love  of  the  fiesh. 

3.  What  is  there  that  the  fire  of  hell  shall  feed 
upon,  but  thy  sins  ? 

The  more  thou  sparest  thyself  now  and  followest 
the  flesh,  the  more  severe  hereafter  shall  be  thy  pun- 
ishment, and  thou  storest  up  greater  fuel  for  that 
flame. 

In  what  things  a  man  hath  sinned,  in  the  same 
shall  he  be  the  more  grievously  punished. 

There  shall  the  slothful  be  pricked  forward  with 
burning  goads,  and  the  gluttons  be  tormented  with 
extreme  hunger  and  thirst. 

There  shall  the  luxurious  and  lovers  of  pleasure 
be  bathed  in  burning  pitch  and  stinking  brimstone, 


James  i.  4. 


2  Luke  xxiii.  34;  Acts  vii.  60. 


and  the  envious,  like  mad  dogs,  shall  howl  for  very 
grief. 

4.  There  is  no  sin  but  shall  have  its  own  proper 
torment. 

There  the  proud  shall  be  filled  with  all  confusion  0 
the  covetous  shall  be  pinched  with  miserable  penury. 

One  hour  of  pain  there  shall  be  more  bitter  than  a 
thousand  years  of  the  sharpest  penance  here  ! 

There  is  no  quiet,  no  comfort  for  the  damned  there  ;^ 
yet  here  we  have  some  intermission  of  our  labors,  and 
enjoy  the  comfort  of  our  friends. 

Be  now  solicitous  and  sorrowful  because  of  thy 
sins,  that  at  the  day  of  judgment  thou  mayest  be  se- 
cure with  the  blessed. 

For  then  shall  the  righteous  with  great  boldness 
stand  against  such  as  have  vexed  and  oppressed 
them.2 

Then  shall  he  stand  to  judge  them,  who  doth  now 
humbly  submit  himself  to  the  censures  of  men. 

Then  shall  the  poor  and  humble  have  great  confi- 
dence, but  the  proud  man  shall  be  compassed  with 
fear  on  every  side. 

5.  Then  will  it  appear  that  he  was  wise  in  this 
world,  who  had  learned  to  be  a  fool  and  despised  for 
Christ's  sake. 

Then  shall  every  affliction  patiently  undergone 
delight  us,  when  the  mouth  of  all  iniquity  shall  be 
stopped.^ 

Then  shall  all  the  devout  rejoice,  and  all  the  pro- 
fane mourn. 


1  Job  xl.  12 ;  xli.        2  Wisd.  v.  i.        *  Psalm  cvii.  42. 


Then  shall  the  mortified  flesh  more  rejoice  than 
that  which  hath  been  pampered  with  all  pleasures.^ 

Then  shall  the  poor  attire  shine  glorious!}^,  and  the 
precious  robes  seem  vile  and  contemptible. 

Then  the  poor  cottage  shall  be  more  commended 
than  the  gilded  palace. 

Then  shall  constant  patience  more  avail  us  than  all 
earthly  power. 

Then  simple  obedience  shall  be  exalted  above  all 
worldly  wisdom.^ 

6.  Then  shall  a  good  and  clear  conscience  more 
rejoice  a  man  than  all  the  learning  of  philosophy. 

Then  shall  the  contempt  of  riches  weigh  more  than 
all  the  worldling's  treasure. 

Then  shalt  thou  be  more  comforted  that  thou  hast 
prayed  devoutly  than  that  thou  hast  fared  daintily. 

Then  shalt  thou  be  more  glad  that  thou  hast  kept 
silence  than  that  thou  hast  spoken  much. 

Then  shall  good  works  avail  more  than  many 
goodly  words. 

Then  a  strict  life  and  severe  repentance  shall  be 
more  pleasing  than  all  earthly  dejights. 

Accustom  thyself  now  to  suffer  a  little,  that  thou 
mayest  then  be  delivered  from  more  grievous  pains- 
Prove  first  here  what  thou  canst  endure  hereafter. 

If  now  thou  canst  endure  so  little,  how  wilt  thou 
then  be  able  to  support  eternal  torments  ? 

If  now  a  little  suffering  make  thee  so  impatient, 
what  will  hell-fire  do  hereafter.-^ 

Assure  thyself  thou  canst  not  have  two  joys ;  it  is 


2  Cor.  iv.  17. 


2  Isaiah  xxix.  19. 


impossible  to  take  thy  pleasure  here  in  this  world, 
and  after  that  to  reign  with  Christ. 

7.  Suppose  that  thou  hadst  up  to  this  day  lived 
always  in  honors  and  delights,  what  would  it  all 
avail  thee  if  thou  wert  doomed  to  die  at  this  instant?^ 

All  therefore  is  vanity,^  except  to  love  God  and 
serve  Him  only. 

For  he  that  loveth  God  w^ith  all  his  heart  is  neither 
afraid  of  death,  nor  of  punishment,  nor  of  judgment, 
nor  of  hell;  for  perfect  love  gives  secure  access  to 
God.3 

But  he  that  takes  delight  in  sin,  what  marvel  is  it 
if  he  be  afraid  both  of  death  and  judgment  ? 

Yet  it  is  good,  although  love  be  not  yet  of  force  to 
withhold  thee  from  sin,  that  at  least  the  fear  of  hell 
should  restrain  thee. 

But  he  that  layeth  aside  the  fear  of  God,  can  never 
continue  long  in  good  estate,  but  falleth  quickly  into* 
the  snares  of  the  devil. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Of  the  Zealous  Amendment  of  our  Whole  Life, 

DE  watchful  and  diligent  in  the  service  of  God;* 
^  and  often  bethink  thyself  wherefore  thou  camest 
hither,  and  why  thou  hast  left  the  world.  Was  it 
not  that  thou  mightest  live  to  God,  and  become  a 
spiritual  man  ? 


^  Luke  xii.  20. 
2  Eccles.  i.  2. 


*  Rom.  viii.  39, 
4  2  Tim.  iv.  5, 


Be  fervent  then  in  going  forward,^  for  shortly  thou 
shalt  receive  the  reward  of  thy  labors;  there  shall 
not  be  then  any  more  fear  or  sorrow  in  thy  coasts.^ 

Labor  but  a  little  now,  and  thou  shalt  find  great 
rest,  yea,  perpetual  joy.^ 

If  thou  continuest  faithful  and  fervent  in  thy  work, 
no  doubt  but  that  God  will  be  faithful  and  liberal  in 
rewarding  thee.'*. 

Thou  oughtest  to  have  a  good  hope  ^  of  getting  the 
victory;  but  thou  must  not  be  secure,  lest  thou  wax 
either  negligent  or  proud. 

2.  When  one  that  was  in  anxiety  of  mind,  often 
wavering  between  fear  and  hope,  did  once,  being 
oppressed  with  grief,  humbly  prostrate  himself  in  a 
church  before  the  altar,  in  prayer,  and  said  within 
himself,  O  if  I  knew  that  I  should  yet  persevere  !  he 
presently  heard  within  him  an  answer  from  God, 
Avhich  said,  If  thou  didst  know  it,  what  wouldst  thou 
do?  Do  now  what  thou  wouldst  do  then,  and  thou 
shalt  be  secure. 

And  being  herewith  comforted  and  strengthened, 
he  committed  himself  wholly  to  the  will  of  God,  and 
his  anxious  wavering  ceased. 

Neither  had  he  the  mind  to  search  curiously  any 
farther,  to  know  what  should  befall  him  ;  but  rather 
labored  to  understand  what  was  the  perfect  and  ac- 
ceptable will  of  God^  for  the  beginning  and  accom- 
plishing of  every  good  work. 

3.  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good,"  saith  the 

1  Matt.  V.  48.  ^  Matt.  xxv.  23. 

2  Rev.  xxi.  4;  xxii.  3.  ^  Rom.  v.  5. 

^  Ecclus.  li.  27 ;  Rev.  xxi.  4;  xxii.  3.     ®  Rom.  xii.  2. 


Prophet,  "  so  shalt  thou  dwell  in  the  land,  and  verily 
thou  shalt  be  fed."i 

One  thing  there  is  that  draweth  many  back  from  a 
spiritual  progress,  and  the  diligent  amendment  of 
their  lives :  the  fear  of  the  difficulty,  or  the  labor  of 
the  combat. 

But  they  especially  exceed  others  in  all  virtue,  who 
make  the  greatest  effort  to  overcome  those  things 
which  are  most  grievous  and  contrary  unto  them. 

For  there  a  man  improveth  most  and  obtaineth 
greatest  grace,  where  he  most  overcometh  himself 
and  mortifieth  himself  in  spirit. 

4.  But  all  men  have  not  equally  much  to  over- 
come and  mortify. 

Yet  he  that  is  zealous  and  diligent,  though  he  have 
more  passions,  shall  profit  more  than  another  that  is 
of  a  more  temperate  natural  disposition,  if  he  be  less 
fervent  in  the  pursuit  of  all  virtue. 

Two  things  especially  much  further  our  amend- 
ment, to  wit,  To  withdraw  ourselves  violently  from 
those  vices  to  which  our  nature  is  most  inclined,  and 
to  labor  earnestly  for  that  good  which  we  most  lack. 

Be  careful  also  to  avoid  with  great  diligence  those 
things  in  thyself,  which  do  commonly  displease  thee 
in  others. 

5.  Gather  some  profit  to  thy  soul  wheresoever 
thou  art ;  so  that  if  thou  seest  or  hearest  of  any  good 
examples,  thou  stir  up  thyself  to  the  imitation  thereof. 

But  if  thou  observe  anything  worthy  of  reproof, 
beware  thou  do  not  the  same.  And  if  at  any  time 
thou  hast  done  it,  labor  quickly  to  amend  thyself. 


1  Psalm  xxxvii.  3. 


As  thine  eye  observeth  others,^  so  art  thou  also 
noted  again  by  others. 

O  how  sweet  and  pleasant  a  thing  it  is,  to  see 
brethren  fervent  and  devout,  well-mannered  and  well- 
disciplined 

And  on  the  contrary  how  sad  and  grievous  a  thing 
it  is  to  see  them  live  in  a  dissolute  and  disordered 
sort,  not  applying  themselves  to  that  for  which  they 
are  called ! 

How  hurtful  a  thing  is  it,  when  they  neglect  the 
good  purposes  of  their  vocation,  and  busy  themselves 
in  that  which  is  not  committed  to  their  care  ! 

6.  Be  mindful  of  the  profession  which  thou  hast 
made,  and  have  always  before  the  eyes  of  thy  soul 
the  remembrance  of  thy  Saviour  crucified. 

Thou  hast  good  cause  to  be  ashamed  in  looking 
upon  the  life  of  Jesus  Christ,  seeing  thou  hast  not  as 
yet  endeavored  to  conform  thyself  more  unto  Him, 
though  thou  hast  been  a  long  time  in  the  way  of  God. 

A  Religious  person  that  exerciseth  himself  seri- 
ously and  devoutly  in  the  most  holy  life  and  passion 
of  our  Lord,  shall  there  abundantly  find  whatsoever 
is  necessary  and  profitable  for  him;  neither  shall  he 
need  to  seek  any  better  thing  ou^  of  Jesus. 

O  if  Jesus  crucified  would  come  into  our  hearts,^ 
how  quickly  and  fully  should  we  be  taught !. 

7.  A  fervent  Religious  person  taketh  and  beareth 
well  all  that  is  commanded  him. 

But  he  that  is  negligent  and  lukewarm  hath  tribu- 
lation upon  tribulation,  and  on  all  sides  is  afflicted ; 

^  Matt.  vii.  3.      2  Eph^  y ;  i  Cor.  xii.  18;  Eccles.  iii  i. 
*  Gal.  ii.  20;  vi.  14. 


for  he  is  void  of  inward  consolation,  and  is  forbidden 
to  seek  outward  comforts. 

A  Religious  person  that  liveth  not  according  to 
discipline,  lieth  open  to  great  mischief,  to  the  ruin  of 
his  soul. 

He  that  seeketh  liberty  and  ease,  shall  ever  live  in 
disquiet ;  for  one  thing  or  other  will  displease  him. 

8.  O  that  we  had  nothing  else  to  do,  but  always 
with  our  mouth  and  whole  heart  to  praise  our  Lord 
God! 

O  that  thou  mightest  never  have  need  to  eat,  or 
drink,  or  sleep  ;  but  mightest  always  praise  God,  and 
only  employ  thyself  in  spiritual  exercises.  Thou 
shouldst  then  be  much  more  happy  than  now  thou 
art,  when  for  so  many  necessities  thou  art  con- 
strained to  serve  thy  body  ! 

Would  God  there  were  not  these  necessities,  but 
only  the  spiritual  refreshments  of  the  soul,  which, 
alas,  we  taste  too  seldom  ! 

9.  When  a  man  cometh  to  that  estate,  that  he 
seeketh  not  his  comfort  from  any  creature,  then  doth 
he  begin  perfectly  to  relish  God.  Then  shall  he  be 
contented  with  whatsoever  doth  befall  him. 

Then  shall  he  neither  rejoice  in  having  much,  nor 
be  sorrowful  for  having  little  ;  but  entirely  and  confi- 
dently commit  himself  to  God,  who  shall  be  unto  him 
all  in  all ;  ^  to  whom  nothing  doth  perish  nor  die,  but 
all  things  do  live  unto  Him,  and  serve  Him  at  his 
command  without  delay. 

10.  Remember  always  thine  end,  ^  and  that  time 

^  Rom.  xl.  36;  I  Cor.  viii.  6;  xii.  6 ;  xv.  28.     2  Ecclus.  vii.  36. 


lost  never  returns.  Without  care  and  diligence  thou 
shalt  never  get  virtue. 

If  thou  begin  to  wax  lukewarm,^  it  will  begin  to  be 
evil  with  thee. 

But  if  thou  give  thyself  to  fervor  of  spirit  thou 
shalt  find  much  peace,  and  feel  less  labor,  by  reason 
of  the  assistance  of  God's  grace,  and  the  love  of  virtue. 

The  fervent  and  diligent  man  is  prepared  for  all 
things. 

It  is  harder  work  to  resist  vices  and  passions,  than 
to  toil  in  bodily  labors. 

He  that  avoideth  not  small  faults,  by  little  and  little 
falleth  into  greater.^ 

Thou  wilt  always  rejoice  in  the  evening,  if  thou 
have  spent  the  day  profitably. 

Be  watchful  over  thyself,  stir  up  thyself,  admonish 
thyself,  and  whatever  becomes  of  others,  neglect  not 
thyself. 

The  more  violence  thou  usest  against  thyself,  the 
greater  shall  be  thy  profiting.  Amen, 


'  Rev.  iii.  i6. 


^Ecclus.  xix.  I. 


ADMONITIONS  CONCERNING  INWARD  THINGS. 


CHAPTER  L 

0/  the  Inward  Life, 

"'PHE  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you,"^  saith 
the  Lord.  Turn  thee  with  thy  whole  heart  ^ 
unto  the  Lord,  and  forsake  this  wretched  world,  and 
thy  soul  shall  find  rest. 

Learn  to  despise  outward  things,  and  to  give  thy- 
self to  things  inward,  and  thou  shalt  perceive  the 
kingdom  of  God  to  be  come  in  thee. 

"  For  the  kingdom  of  God  is  peace  and  joy  in  the 
Holy  Ghost,"  3  which  is  not  given  to  the  unholy. 

Christ  will  come  unto  thee,  and  show  thee  His  own 
consolation,  if  thou  prepare  for  Him  a  worthy  man- 
sion within  thee. 

All  His  glory  and  beauty  is  from  within,^  and 
there  He  delighteth  Himself. 


^  Luke  xvii.  21. 
^  Joel  ii.  12. 


3  Rom.  xiv.  17. 
^  Psalm  xiv.  13. 


70  m  m  Inrt  f  if^. 


The  inward  man  he  often  visiteth ;  and  hath  with 
him  sweet  discourses,  pleasant  solace,  much  peace, 
familiarity  exceeding  wonderful. 

2.  O  faithful  soul,  make  ready  thy  heart  for  this 
Bridegroom,  thai  He  may  vouchsafe  to  come  unto 
thee,  and  to  dwell  within  thee. 

For  thus  saith  He,  "  If  any  man  love  me,  he  will 
keep  my  words,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and  will 
make  our  abode  with  him."  ^ 

Give  therefore  admittance  unto  Christ,  and  deny 
entrance  to  all  others. 

When  thou  hast  Christ,  thou  art  rich,  and  hast 
enough.  He  will  be  thy  faithful  and  provident  helper 
in  all  things,  so  that  thou  shalt  not  need  to  trust  in 
men. 

For  men  soon  change,  and  quickly  fail;  but  Christ 
remaineth  forever,^  and  standeth  by  us  firmly  unto 
the  end. 

3.  There  is  no  great  trust  to  be  put  in  a  frail  and 
mortal  man,^  even  though  he  be  profitable  and  dear 
unto  us  :  neither  ought  we  to  be  much  grieved,  if 
sometimes  he  cross  and  contradict  us. 

They  that  to-day  take  thy  part,  to-morrow  may  be 
against  thee ;  and  often  do  men  turn  hke  the  wind. 

Put  all  thy  trust  in  God,^  let  Him  be  thy  fear  and 
thy  love :  He  shall  answer  for  thee,  and  will  do  all 
things  well,  and  as  is  best  for  thee. 

Thou  hast  not  here  an  abiding  city ;  ^  and  whereso- 
ever thou  mayest  be,  thou  art  a  stranger  and  pilgrim : 


'John  xiv.  25.        ^ John  xii.  34.        ^ Jer.  xvii.  5. 
*  I  Pet.  V.  7.  ^  Heb.  xiii.  14. 


neither  shalt  thou  ever  have  rest,  unless  thou  be  in- 
wardly united  unto  Christ. 

4.  Why  dost  thou  here  gaze  about,  since  this  is 
not  the  place  of  thy  rest?  In  heaven  ought  to  be  thy 
home,i  and  all  earthly  things  are  to  be  looked  upon  as 
it  were  by  the  way. 

All  things  pass  away,^  and  thou  together  with  them. 

Beware  thou  cleave  not  unto  them,  lest  thou  be 
caught,  and  so  perish.  Let  thy  thoughts  be  on  the 
Highest,  and  thy  prayers  for  mercy  directed  unto 
Christ  without  ceasing. 

If  thou  canst  not  contemplate  high  and  heavenly 
things,  rest  thyself  in  the  passion  of  Christ,  and 
dwell  wiHingly  on  His  sacred  wounds. 

For  if  thou  fly  devoutly  unto  the  wounds  and  pre- 
cious marks  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  thou  shalt  feel  great 
comfort  in  tribulation :  neither  wilt  thou  much  care 
for  the  slights  of  men,  and  wilt  easily  bear  the  words 
of  those  that  reproach  thee. 

5.  Christ  was  also  in  the  world,  despised  of  men, 
and  in  His  greatest  necessity  forsaken  by  His  ac- 
quaintance and  friends  in  the  midst  of  reproaches.^ 

Christ  was  willing  to  suffer  and  be  despised;  and 
darest  thou  complain  of  anything  ? 

Christ  had  adversaries  and  backbiters;  and  dost 
thou  wish  to  have  all  men  thy  friends  and  bene- 
factors ? 

Whence  shall  thy  patience  attain  her  crown,^  if  no 
adversity  befall  thee  ? 


^  Phil.  iii.  20. 
^Wisd.  V.  9. 


3  Matt.  xii.  24;  xvi.  21 ;  John  xx.  20. 
*  2  Tim.  ii.  5. 


72 


If  thou  art  willing  to  suffer  no  contradiction,  how 
wilt  thou  be  the  friend  of  Christ  ? 

Suffer  with  Christ,  and  for  Christ,  if  thou  desire  to 
reign  with  Christ. 

6.  If  thou  hadst  but  once  perfectly  entered  into 
the  secrets  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  tasted  a  little  of 
His  ardent  love ;  then  wouldst  thou  not  regard  thine 
own  convenience  or  inconvenience,  but  rather  wouldst 
rejoice  in  reproaches,  if  they  should  be  cast  upon 
thee ;  for  the  love  of  Jesus  maketh  a  man  to  despise 
himself. 

A  lover  of  Jesus  and  of  the  truth,  and  a  true 
inward  Christian,  and  one  free  from  inordinate  affec- 
tions, can  freely  turn  himself  unto  God,  and  lift  him- 
self above  himself  in  spirit,  and  rest  in  full  en- 
joyment. 

7.  He  that  judgeth  of  all  things  as  they  are,  and 
not  as  they  are  said  or  esteemed  to  be,  is  truly  wise, 
and  taught  rather  of  God  than  of  men.^ 

He  that  knoweth  how  to  live  inwardly,  and  to 
make  small  reckoning  of  things  without,  neither 
requireth  places,  nor  awaiteth  times  for  performing 
of  religious  exercises. 

A  spiritual  man  quickly  recollecteth  himself,  be- 
cause he  never  poureth  out  himself  wholly  to  out- 
ward things. 

He  is  not  hindered  by  outward  labor  or  business, 
which  maybe  necessary  for  the  time:  but  as  things 
fall  out,  so  he  suits  himself  to  them. 

He  that  is  well  ordered  and  disposed  within  him- 


'  Isaiah  liv.  13. 


self,  careth  not  for  the  strange  and  perverse  behavior 
of  men. 

A  man  is  hindered  and  distracted,  in  proportion  as 
he  draweth  outward  things  unto  himself. 

8.  If  it  were  well  with  thee,  and  thou  wert  thor* 
oughly  purified  from  sin,  all  things  would  fall  out  to 
thee  for  good,^  and  to  thy  progress. 

But  many  things  displease  and  often  trouble  thee, 
because  thou  art  not  yet  perfectly  dead  unto  thyself, 
nor  separated  from  all  earthly  things. 

Nothing  so  defileth  and  entangleth  the  heart  of 
man,  as  the  impure  love  of  things  created. 

If  thou  refuse  outward  comfort,  thou  wilt  be  able 
to  contemplate  the  things  of  Heaven,  and  often  to 
receive  internal  joy. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Of  Humble  Submission. 

■pEGARD   not  much  who  is  for  thee,  or  who 
against  thee :  2  but  give  all  thy  thought  and  care 
to  this,  that  God  be  with  thee  in  every  thing  thou 
doest. 

Have  a  good  conscience,  and  God  will  well  defend 
thee.^ 

For  whom  God  will  help,  no  malice  of  man  shall  be 
able  to  hurt. 

If  thou  canst  be  silent  and  suffer,  without  doubt 
thou  shalt  see  that  the  Lord  will  help  thee. 


*  Rom.  viii.  28.  ^  Psalm  xxviiL  7. 

^  Rom.  vii.  31 ;  I  Cor,  iv.  3. 


He  knoweth  the  time  and  the  manner  to  deliver 
thee,  and  therefore  thou  oughtest  to  resign  thyself 
unto  Him. 

It  belongeth  to  God  to  help,  and  to  deliver  from  all 
confusion. 

It  is  often  very  profitable,  to  keep  us  more  humble, 
that  others  know  and  rebuke  our  faults. 

2.  When  a  man  humbleth  himself  for  his  failings, 
then  he  easily  pacifieth  others,  and  quickly  satisfieth 
those  that  are  offended  with  him. 

God  protecteth  the  humble  and  delivereth  him;^ 
the  humble  He  loveth  and  comforteth ;  unto  the  hum- 
ble man  He  inclineth  Himself;  unto  the  humble  He 
giveth  great  grace ;  and  after  his  humiliation  He 
raiseth  him  to  glory. 

Unto  the  humble  He  revealeth  His  secrets,^  and 
sweetly  draweth  and  inviteth  him  unto  Himself. 

The  humble  man,  though  he  suffer  confusion,  hath 
yet  much  peace  ;  for  that  he  resteth  on  God,  and  not 
on  the  world. 

Do  not  think  that  thou  hast  made  any  progress, 
unless  thou  esteem  thyself  inferior  to  all. 

CHAPTER  III. 

0/  a  Good  and  Peaceable  Man. 

UIRST  keep  thyself  in  peace,  and  then  shalt  thou 
be  able  to  make  peace  among  others. 
A  peaceable  man  doth  more  good  than  he  that  is 
well  learned. 


*  James  iii.;  Job  v.  II. 


«Matt,  xi.  25. 


#f  n  (^mH  m&  '^mtnW  Paw*  75 


A  passionate  man  draweth  even  good  into  evil,  and 
easily  believeth  the  worst. 

A  good  and  peaceable  man  turneth  all  things  to 
good. 

He  that  is  in  peace,  is  not  suspicious  of  any.^  But 
he  that  is  discontented  and  troubled,  is  tossed  with 
divers  suspicions  :  he  is  neither  quiet  himself,  nor 
suffereth  others  to  be  quiet. 

He  often  speaketh  that  which  he  ought  not  to 
speak ;  and  leaveth  undone  that  which  it  were  more 
expedient  for  him  to  do. 

He  considereth  what  others  are  bound  to  do,^  and 
neglecteth  that  which  he  is  bound  to  do  himself. 

First,  therefore,  have  a  careful  zeal  over  thyself,  ^ 
and  then  thou  mayest  justly  show  thyself  zealous 
also  of  thy  neighbor's  good. 

2.  Thou  knowest  well  how  to  excuse  and  color 
thine  own  deeds,  but  thou  art  not  willing  to  receive 
the  excuses  of  others. 

It  were  more  just  that  thou  shouldst  accuse  thy- 
self, and  excuse  thy  brother. 

If  thou  wilt  thyself  be  borne  with,  bear  also  with 
another.-* 

Behold,  how  far  off  thou  art  yet  from  true  charity 
and  humility ;  for  that  knows  not  how  to  be  angry 
with  any,  or  to  be  moved  with  indignation,  but  only 
against  a  man's  self. 

It  is  no  great  matter  to  associate  with  the  good  and 
gentle ;  for  this  is  naturally  pleasing  to  all,  and  every 


'  I  Cor.  xiii.  5. 
^  Matt.  vii.  3. 


3  Acts  xxii.  3. 

*Gal.  vi.  2 ;  i  Cor.  xiii.  7. 


one  willingly  enjoyeth  peace,  and  loveth  those  best 
that  agree  with  him. 

But  to  be  able  to  live  peaceably  with  hard  and  per- 
verse persons,  or  with  the  disorderly,  or  with  such  as 
go  contrary  to  us,  is  a  great  grace,  and  a  most  com- 
mendable and  manly  thing. 

3.  Some  there  are  that  keep  themselves  in  peace, 
and  are  in  peace  also  with  others. 

And  there  are  some  that  neither  are  in  peace  them- 
selves, nor  suffer  others  to  be  in  peace :  They  are 
troublesome  to  others,  but  always  more  troublesome 
to  themselves. 

And  others  there  are  that  keep  themselves  in  peace, 
and  study  to  bring  back  others  unto  peace. 

Nevertheless,  our  whole  peace  in  this  miserable 
life  consisteth  rather  in  humble  endurance,  than  in 
not  suffering  things  that  are  contrary  to  us. 

He  that  knoweth  best  how  to  suffer,  will  best  keep 
himself  in  peace.  That  man  is  conqueror  of  him- 
self, and  lord  of  the  world,  the  friend  of  Christ,  and 
an  heir  of  heaven. 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Of  a  Pure  Mind,  and  a  Simple  Intention, 

BY  two  wings  a  man  is  lifted  up  from  things 
earthly,  namely,  by  Simplicity  and  Purity. 
Simplicity  ought  to  be  in  our  intention ;  purity  in 
our  affections.    Simplicity  doth  tend  towards  God; 
purity  doth  apprehend  and  taste  Him, 


(^i  jx  ^nxc  Pin4,  mA  n  pimple  M^i^^ii^^*  77 


No  good  action  will  hinder  thee,  if  thou  be  in  thy 
heart  free  from  inordinate  affection. 

If  thou  intend  and  seek  nothing  else  but  the  will 
of  God  and  the  good  of  thy  neighbor,  thou  shalt  thor- 
oughly enjoy  inward  liberty. 

If  thy  heart  were  sincere  and  upright,  then  every 
creature  would  be  unto  thee  a  living  mirror,  and  a 
book  of  holy  doctrine. 

There  is  no  creature  so  small  and  abject,  that  it 
representeth  not  the  goodness  of  God.^ 

2.  If  thou  wert  inwardly  good  and  pure,^  then 
wouldst  thou  be  able  to  see  and  understand  all  things 
well  without  impediment. 

A  pure  heart  penetrateth  heaven  and  hell. 
Such  as  every  one  is  inwardly,  so  he  judgeth  out 
wardly. 

If  there  be  joy  in  the  world,  surely  a  man  of  a  pure 
heart  possesseth  it. 

And  if  there  be  anywhere  tribulation  and  affliction, 
an  evil  conscience  best  knoweth  it. 

As  iron  put  into  the  fire  loseth  its  rust,  and  becom- 
eth  clearly  red-hot,  so  he  that  wholly  turneth  himself 
unto  God,  putteth  off  all  slothfulness,  and  is  trans- 
formed into  a  new  man. 

3,  When  a  man  beginneth  to  grow  lukewarm,  then 
he  is  afraid  of  a  little  labor,  and  willingly  receiveth 
comfort  from  outward  things. 

But  when  he  once  beginneth  to  overcome  himself 
perfectly,  and  to  walk  manfully  in  the  way  of  God; 
then  he  esteemeth  those  things  to  be  light,  which 
before  seemed  grievous  unto  him. 


*  Rom.  i.  20.        ^  Prov.  iii.  3,  4?  Psalm  cxix.  100, 


CHAPTER  V. 

Of  the  Consideration  of  One'^s  Self. 

THE  cannot  trust  much  to  ourselves,^  because  grace 
oftentimes  is  wanting  to  us,  and  understanding 

also. 

There  is  but  little  light  in  us,  and  that  which  we 
have  we  quickly  lose  by  our  negligence. 

Oftentimes  too  we  do  not  perceive  our  own  inward 
blindness  how  great  it  is. 

We  often  do  a  bad  act,  and  make  a  worse  excuse.^ 

We  are  sometimes  moved  with  passion,  and  we 
think  it  to  be  zeal. 

We  reprehend  small  things  in  others,  and  pass  over 
greater  matters  in  ourselves.^ 

We  quickly  enough  feel  and  weigh  what  we  suffer 
at  the  hands  of  others  ;  but  we  mind  not  what  others 
suffer  from  us. 

He  that  well  and  rightly  considereth  his  own 
works,  will  find  little  cause  to  judge  hardly  of 
another. 

2.  He  who  is  a  Christian  at  heart  preferreth  the 
care  of  himself  before  all  other  cares.*  And  he  that 
diligently  attendeth  unto  himself,  can  easily  keep 
silence  concerning  others. 

Thou  wilt  never  be  thus  in  heart  religious,  unless 
thou  pass  over  other  men's  matters  with  silence,  and 
look  especially  to  thyself. 


'  Jer.  xvii.  5. 
*  Psalm  cxli.  4. 


3  Matt.  vii.  5. 
*  Matt.  xvi.  26. 


If  thou  attend  wholly  unto  God  and  thyself,  thou 
wilt  be  but  little  moved  with  whatsoever  thou  seest 
abroad.! 

Where  art  thou,  when  thou  art  not  with  thyself? 
And  when  thou  hast  run  over  all,  what  hast  thou  then 
profited,  if  thou  hast  neglected  thyself? 

If  thou  desirest  peace  of  mind  and  true  unity  of 
purpose,  thou  must  still  put  all  other  things  behind 
thee,  and  look  only  upon  thyself. 

3.  Thou  shalt  profit  much,  if  thou  keep  thyself 
free  from  all  temporal  care. 

Thou  shalt  greatly  lose  if  thou  take  thought  for 
any  temporal  thing. 

Let  nothing  be  great  unto  thee,  nothing  high, 
nothing  pleasing,  nothing  acceptable,  but  only  God 
Himself,  or  that  which  is  of  God. 

Esteem  all  comfort  vain,^  which  thou  receivest 
from  any  creature. 

A  soul  that  loveth  God,  despiseth  all  things  that 
are  inferior  unto  God. 

God  alone  is  everlasting,  and  of  infinite  greatness, 
filling  all  creatures ;  the  comfort  of  the  soul,  and  the 
true  joy  of  the  heart. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Of  the  Joy  of  a  Good  Conscience* 

'THE  glory  of  a  good  man,  is  the  testimony  of  a 
good  conscience.^ 
Have  a  good  conscience,  and  thou  shalt  ever  have  joy. 


*  I  Cor.  iv.  3 ;  Gal.  i.  lo.      ^Eccles.  i.  14.       ^  i  (^qj-,  \^  -ji. 


A  good  conscience  is  able  to  bear  very  much,  and 

is  very  cheerful  in  adversities. 

An  evil  conscience  is  always  fearful  and  unquiet.^ 
Thou  shalt  rest  sweetly,  if  thy  heart  condemn  thee 

not. 

Never  rejoice,  but  when  thou  hast  done  well. 

Sinners  have  never  true  joy,  nor  feel  inward  peace; 
because  "  There  is  no  peace  to  the  wicked,"  saith  the 
Lord.2 

And  if  they  should  say,  "  We  are  in  peace,  no  evil 
shall  fall  upon  us,^  and  who  shall  dare  to  hurt  us.^^" 
believe  them  not;  for  upon  a  sudden  will  arise  the 
wrath  of  God,  and  their  deeds  shall  be  brought  to 
naught,  and  their  thoughts  shall  perish. 

2.  To  glory  in  tribulation,  is  no  hard  thing  for  him 
that  loveth  ;  for  so  to  glory,  is  to  glory  in  the  Cross  of 
the  Lord.* 

That  glory  is  short,  which  is  given  and  received 
from  men.^ 

Sorrow  always  accompanieth  the  glory  of  the 
world. 

The  glory  of  the  good  is  in  their  consciences,  and 
not  in  the  tongues  of  men.  The  gladness  of  the  just 
is  of  God,^  and  in  God  ;  and  their  joy  is  of  the  truth. 

He  that  desireth  true  and  everlasting  glory,  careth 
not  for  that  which  is  temporal. 

And  he  that  seeketh  temporal  glory,  or  despiseth 
it  not  from  his  soul,  showeth  himself  to  have  but  little 
esteem  of  the  glory  of  heaven. 


'  Wisdom  xvii.  ii.  ■♦Rom.  viii.;  Gal.  vio  14. 

^Isaiah  Ivii.  21.  ^  John  v.  44. 

3  Luke  xii.  19.  ^  2  Cor.  iii.  5. 


<&t  the  ^ay  0f  n  a^o^A  &0Wxmte.  81 


He  enjoyeth  great  tranquility  of  heart,  that  careth 
neither  for  the  praise^  nor  dispraise  of  men. 

3.  He  will  easily  be  content  and  at  peace,  whose 
conscience  is  pure. 

Thou  art  not  the  more  holy  for  being  praised ;  nor 
the  more  worthless  for  being  dispraised. 

What  thou  art,  that  thou  art ;  neither  by  words 
canst  thou  be  made  greater  than  what  thou  art  in  the 
sight  of  God. 

If  thou  consider  what  thou  art  in  thyself,  thou  wait 
not  care  what  men  say  of  thee. 

Man  looketh  on  the  countenance,  but  God  on  the 
heart.^  Man  considereth  the  deeds,  but  God  weigh- 
eth  the  intentions. 

To  be  always  doing  good,  and  to  esteem  little  of 
one's  self,  is  the  sign  of  an  humble  soul. 

To  be  unwilling  to  have  any  created  being  for  our 
comforter,  is  a  sign  of  great  purity  and  inward  confi- 
dence. 

4.  He  that  seeketh  no  testimony  on  his  behalf 
from  without,  doth  show  that  he  hath  wholly  commit- 
ted himself  unto  God. 

"  For  not  he  that  commendeth  himself  is  approved 
(saith  Saint  Paul),  but  whom  God  commendeth.''  2 

To  walk  in  the  heart  with  God,  and  not  to  be  held 
in  bondage  by  any  outward  affection,  is  the  state  of  a 
spiritual  man. 


^  I  Sam.  xvi.  7. 


2  2  Cor.  X  18, 


82  m  m  w^^^    M^^^^  ^^^^^  i^n  Mxm». 


CHAPTER  VII. 
Of  the  Love  of  Jesus  above  all  Things, 

BLESSED  is  he  that  understandeth^  what  it  is  to 
love  Jesus,  and  to  despise  himself  for  Jesus'  sake. 
Thou  oughtest  to  leave  thy  beloved  for  the  Be- 
loved ;  2  for  Jesus  will  be  loved  alone  above  all  things. 

The  love  of  things  created  is  deceitful  and  incon- 
stant; the  love  of  Jesus  is  faithful  and  constant. 

He  that  cleaveth  unto  creatures,  shall  fall  with  that 
which  is  subject  to  fall ;  he  that  embraceth  Jesus 
shall  stand  firmly  for  ever. 

Love  Him,  and  keep  Him  for  thy  friend,  who,  when 
all  go  away,  will  not  forsake  thee,  nor  suffer  thee  to 
perish  in  the  end. 

Sometime  or  other  thou  must  be  separated  from  all, 
whether  thou  wilt  or  no. 

2.  Keep  close  to  Jesus  both  in  life  and  in  death, 
and  commit  thyself  unto  His  faithfulness,  who,  when 
all  fail,  can  alone  help  thee. 

Thy  Beloved  is  of  such  a  nature,  that  He  will  admit 
of  no  rival ;  but  will  have  thy  heart  alone,  and  sit  on 
His  own  Throne  as  King. 

If  thou  couldst  empty  thyself  perfectly  of  all  created 
things,  Jesus  would  willingly  dwell  with  thee. 

Whatsoever  trust  thou  reposest  in  men,  out  of 
Jesus,  is  all  little  better  than  lost. 

Trust  not  nor  lean  upon  a  reed  shaken  by  the 

*  Psalm  cxix.  i,  2. 

*Deut.  vi.  5  ;  Song  of  Sol.  ii.  i6;  Matt.  xxii.  37, 


^mxlm  ^xunAMv  with  ^m^.  83 


wind;  for  that  all  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  glorj 
thereof  shall  wither  away  as  the  flower  of  the  field.^ 

3.  Thou  wilt  soon  be  deceived,  if  thou  only  look  to 
the  outward  appearance  of  men. 

For,  if  thou  seekest  thy  comfort  and  thy  profit  in 
others,  thou  shalt  often  feel  loss. 

If  thou  seekest  Jesus  in  all  things,  thou  shalt 
surely  find  Jesus. 

But  if  thou  seekest  thyself,  thou  shalt  also  find 
thyself,  but  to  thine  own  destruction. 

For  if  a  man  do  not  seek  Jesus,  he  is  more  hurtful 
to  himself,  than  the  whole  world  and  all  his  enemies 
could  be. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Of  Familiar  Friendship  with  Jesus, 

T17HEN  Jesus  is  present,  all  is  well,  and  nothing 
seems  difficult;  but  when  Jesus  is  not  present, 
everything  is  hard. 

When  Jesus  speaks  not  inwardly  to  us,  all  other 
comfort  is  nothing  worth;  but  if  Jesus  speak  but 
one  word,  we  feel  great  consolation. 

Did  not  Mary  Magdalene  rise  immediately  from 
the  place  where  she  wept,  when  Martha  said  to  her, 
"  The  Master  is  come,  and  calleth  for  thee  "  ?2 

Happy  hour!  when  Jesus  calleth  from  tears  to 
spiritual  joy. 

How  dry  and  hard  art  thou  without  Jesus  !  How 


*  Isaiah  xl,  6. 


2  John  xi.  28. 


foolish  and  vain,  if  thou  desire  anything  out  of 
Jesus ! 

Is  not  this  a  greater  loss,  than  if  thou  shouldst  lose 
the  whole  world  ?  ^ 

2.  What  can  the  world  profit  thee  without  Jesus  ? 
To  be  without  Jesus  is  a  grievous  hell;  and  to  be 

with  Jesus,  a  sweet  paradise. 

If  Jesus  be  with  thee  no  enemy  shall  be  able  to 
hurt  thee. 2 

He  that  findeth  Jesus  findeth  a  good  treasure,^  yea, 
a  good  above  all  good. 

And  he  that  loseth  Jesus  loseth  overmuch,  yea 
more  than  the  whole  world  ! 

Most  poor  is  he  who  liveth  without  Jesus  ;  ^  and 
he  most  rich  who  is  dear  to  Jesus. 

3.  It  asketh  great  skill  to  know  how  to  hold  con- 
verse with  Jesus  ;  and  to  know  how  to  retain  Jesus, 
is  great  wisdom. 

Be  thou  humble  and  peaceable,  and  Jesus  will  be 
with  thee.^ 

Be  devout  and  quiet,  and  Jesus  will  stay  with  thee. 

Thou  mayest  soon  drive  away  Jesus,  and  lose  his 
favor,  if  thou  wilt  turn  aside  to  outward  things. 

And  if  thou  shouldst  drive  Him  from  thee  and  lose 
Him,  unto  whom  wilt  thou  flee,  and  whom  wilt  thou 
then  seek  for  thy  friend  ? 

Without  a  friend  thou  canst  not  well  live ;  and  if 
Jesus  be  not  above  all  friends  to  thee,  thou  shalt 
be  indeed  sad  and  desolate. 

'  Matt.  xvi.  26.         3  Matt.  xiii.  44.         *  Prov.  iii.  17. 
*Rom.  viii.  35.         '♦Luke  xii.  21. 


Therefore  thou  doest  not  wisely,  if  thou  trust  or 
rejoice  in  any  other.^ 

It  is  preferable  to  have  all  the  world  against  us, 
rather  than  to  have  Jesus  offended  with  us. 

Amongst  all  therefore  that  be  dear  unto  us,  let  Je. 
BUS  alone  be  specially  beloved. 

4.  Love  all  for  Jesus,  but  Jesus  for  Himself. 
Jesus  Christ  alone  is  singularly  to  be  loved ;  and 

He  alone  is  found  Good  and  Faithful  above  all 
friends. 

For  Him,  and  in  Him,  let  friends  as  well  as  foes  be 
dear  unto  thee ;  and  all  these  are  to  be  prayed  for, 
that  He  would  make  them  all  to  know  and  to  love 
Him.2 

Never  desire  to  be  singularly  commended  or  be- 
loved, for  that  appertaineth  only  unto  God,  who  hath 
none  Hke  unto  Himself. 

Neither  do  thou  desire  that  the  heart  of  any  should 
be  set  on  thee,  nor  do  thou  set  thy  heart  on  the  love 
of  any ;  but  let  Jesus  be  in  thee,  and  in  every  good 
man. 

5.  Be  pure  and  free  within,  and  entangle  not  thy 
heart  with  any  creature. 

Thou  oughtest  to  be  naked  and  open  before  God, 
ever  carrying  thy  heart  pure  towards  Him,  if  thou 
wouldst  be  free  to  consider  and  see  how  sweet  the 
Lord  is. 

And  truly,  unless  thou  be  prevented  and  drawn  by 
His  grace,  thou  shalt  never  attain  to  that  happiness 
of  forsaking  and  taking  leave  of  all,  in  order  that 
thou  alone  mayest  be  united  to  Him  alone. 


^Gal.  vi.  14. 


*  Matt  V.  44 ;  Luke  vi.  27,  28. 


86 


For  when  the  grace  of  God  cometh  unto  a  man, 
then  he  is  made  able  for  all  things.  And  when  it 
goeth  away,  then  he  is  poor  and  weak,  and  as  it  were 
left  only  for  affliction. 

In  this  case  thou  oughtest  not  to  be  cast  down, 
jaor  to  despair;  but  to  resign  thyself  calmly  to  the 
will  of  God,  and  whatever  comes  upon  thee,  to  endure 
it  for  the  glory  of  Jesus  Christ ;  for  after  winter  fol- 
ic v/eth  summer,  after  night  the  day  returneth,  and 
afi^r  a  tempest  a  great  calm. 

.  CHAPTER  IX. 

Of  the  Want  of  all  Comfort. 

TT  is  no  hard  matter  to  despise  human  comfort,^ 

when  we  have  that  which  is  divine. 

It  is  much  and  very  much,  to  be  able  to  lack  both 
human  and  divine  comfort;  and,  for •  God's  honor,  to 
be  willing  cheerfully  to  endure  desolation  of  heart ; 
and  to  seek  one's  self  in  nothing,  nor  to  regard  one's 
own  merit. 

What  great  matter  is  it,  if  at  the  coming  of  grace 
thou  be  cheerful  and  devout  ?  this  hour  is  wished  for 
of  all  men. 

He  rideth  easily  enough,  whom  the  grace  of  God 
carrieth. 

And  what  marvel  if  he  feel  not  his  burden,  who  is 
borne  up  by  the  Almighty,  and  led  by  the  Sovereign 
Guide  1 


» Phil.  ii.  12. 


m  the  Want  ft  alt  (^mfatt. 


2.  We  are  always  willing  to  have  something  for 
our  comfort ;  and  a  man  doth  not  without  difficulty 
strip  himself  of  self. 

The  holy  martyr  Laurence  and  his  priest  overcame 
the  world,  because  whatsoever  seemed  delightsome 
in  the  world  he  despised ;  and  for  the  love  of  Christ 
he  patiently  suffered  God's  chief  priest  Sixtus,  whom 
he  most  dearly  loved,  to  be  even  taken  away  from 
him. 

He  therefore  overcame  the  love  of  man  by  the  love 
of  the  Creator;  and  he  rather  chose  what  pleased 
God,  than  human  comfort. 

So  also  do  thou  learn  to  part  even  with  a  near  and 
dear  friend  for  the  love  of  God. 

Nor  do  thou  think  it  hard,  when  thou  art  deserted 
by  a  friend,  as  knowing  that  we  all  at  last  must  be 
separated  one  from  another. 

3.  A  man  must  strive  long  and  mightily  within 
himself,  before  he  can  learn  fully  to  master  himself, 
and  to  draw  his  whole  heart  unto  God. 

When  a  man  trusteth  in  himself,  he  easily  slideth 
unto  human  comforts. 

But  a  true  lover  of  Christ,  and  a  diligent  follower 
of  all  virtue,  does  not  fall  back  on  comforts,  nor  seek 
such  sensible  sweetnesses;  but  rather  prefers  hard 
exercises,  and  to  sustain  severe  labors  for  Christ. 

4.  When  therefore  spiritual  comfort  is  given  thee 
from  God,  receive  it  with  thankfulness ;  but  under- 
stand that  it  is  the  gift  of  God,  not  thy  desert. 

Be  not  puffed  up,  be  not  too  joyful,  nor  vainly  pre- 
sumptuous ;  but  rather  be  the  more  humble  for  that 
gift,  more  wary  too  and  fearful  in  all  thine  actions ; 


88        m  tU  Wmt  0f  m  atanUxt 


for  that  hour  will  pass  away,  and  temptation  will 
follow. 

When  consolation  is  taken  from  thee,  do  not  imme- 
diately despair ;  but  with  humility  and  patience  wait 
for  the  heavenly  visitation ;  for  God  is  able  to  give 
thee  back  again  more  ample  consolation. 

This  is  nothing  new  nor  strange  unto  them  that 
have  experience  in  the  way  of  God;  for  the  great 
saints  and  ancient  prophets  had  oftentimes  experi- 
ence of  such  kind  of  vicissitudes. 

5.  For  which  cause,  one,  while  he  was  basking  in 
divine  grace,  said,  "  I  said  in  my  prosperity,  I  shall 
never  be  moved."  ^ 

But  in  the  absence  of  it,  he  adds  this  experience  of 
what  he  was  in  himself,  "  Thou  didst  turn  Thy  face 
from  me,  and  I  was  troubled." 

Yet  in  the  midst  of  all  this  he  doth  not  by  any 
means  despair,  but  more  earnestly  beseecheth  the 
Lord,  and  saith,  "  Unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  will  I  cry,  and 
I  will  pray  unto  my  God." 

At  length,  he  receiveth  the  fruit  of  his  prayer,  and 
testifieth  that  he  was  heard,  saying,  "  The  Lord  hath 
heard  me,  and  taken  pity  on  me ;  the  Lord  is  become 
my  helper." 

But  wherein  ?  Thou  hast  turned,"  saith  he,  "  my 
sorrow  into  joy,  and  thou  hast  compassed  me  about 
with  gladness." 

If  great  saints  were  so  dealt  with,  we  that  are 
weak  and  poor  ought  not  to  despair,  if  we  be  some- 
times hot  and  sometimes  cold ;  for  the  Spirit  cometh 
and  goeth  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  own 


'  Psalm  XXX.  6-1 1. 


89 


wilU  For  which  cause  holy  Job  saith,  "  Thou  visit- 
est  him  early  in  the  morning,  and  suddenly  Thou 
provest  him."2 

6.  Whereupon  then  can  I  hope,  or  wherein  ought 
I  to  trust,  save  in  the  great  mercy  of  God  alone,  and 
in  the  only  hope  of  heavenly  grace  ? 

For  whether  I  have  with  me  good  men,  either  reli- 
gious  brethren,  or  faithful  friends;  whether  holy 
books,  or  beautiful  treatises,  or  sweet  psalms  and 
hymns;  all  these  help  but  little,  and  have  but  little 
savor,  when  grace  forsaketh  me,  and  I  am  left  in 
mine  own  poverty. 

At  such  time  there  is  no  better  remedy  than  pa- 
tience, and  the  denying  of  myself  according  to  the 
will  of  God.^ 

7.  I  never  found  any  so  religious  and  devout,  that 
he  had  not  sometimes  a  withdrawing  of  grace,  or  felt 
not  some  decrease  of  zeal. 

There  was  never  saint  so  highly  rapt  and  illumina- 
ted, who  first  or  last  was  not  tempted. 

For  he  is  not  worthy  of  the  high  contemplation  of 
God,  who  hath  not  been  exercised  with  some  tribula- 
tion for  God's  sake. 

For  temptation  going  before  is  wont  to  be  a  sign  of 
comfort  to  follow. 

For  unto  those  that  are  proved  by  temptations 
heavenly  comfort  is  promised.  "  To  him  that  over- 
cometh,"  saith  He,  "  I  will  give  to  eat  of  the  tree  of 


.life."  4 


»John  iii.  8. 
^  Job  vii.  18. 


3  Luke  ix.  23. 
^  Rev.  ii.  7. 


90    (fDf  (^mtxtu&t  fox  i\xt  (^xmt  0f  (^oL 

8.  But  divine  consolation  is  given,  that  a  man  may 
be  stronger  to  bear  adversities. 

There  followeth  also  temptation,  lest  he  should  wax 
proud  of  any  good. 

The  devil  sleepeth  not,^  neither  is  the  flesh  as  yet 
dead  ;  therefore  cease  not  to  prepare  thyself  to  the 
battle ;  for  on  thy  right  hand  and  on  thy  left  are  ene- 
mies who  never  rest. 

CHAPTER  X. 
Of  Gratitude  for  the  Grace  of  God, 


HY  seekest  thou  rest,  since  thou  art  born  to 
labor  ?  2 


Dispose  thyself  to  patience  rather  than  to  comfort, 
and  to  the  bearing  of  the  cross  rather  than  to  glad- 
ness.^ 

What  worldly  man  is  there  that  would  not  willingly 
receive  spiritual  joy  and  comfort  if  he  could  always 
have  it  ? 

For  spiritual  comforts  exceed  all  the  delights  of  the 
world,  and  the  pleasures  of  the  flesh. 

For  all  worldly  delights  are  either  vain  or  unclean ; 
but  spiritual  delights  alone  are  pleasant  and  honest, 
being  sprung  from  virtue,  and  infused  by  God  into 
pure  minds. 

But  no  man  can  always  enjoy  these  divine  comforts 
according  to  his  desire ;  for  the  time  of  temptation  is 
never  far  away. 


'  I  Pet.  V.  8.  2  Job  V.  7. 


Luke  xiv.  27. 


(^xntxtuAt  fox      (fixm  t^f  (^(fL  91 


2.  But  false  freedom  of  mind  and  great  confidence 
in  ourselves  are  very  contrary  to  heavenly  visitations. 

God  doeth  well  for  us  in  giving  the  grace  of  com- 
fort; but  man  doeth  evil  in  not  returning  all  again 
unto  God  with  thanksgiving. 

And  therefore  the  gifts  of  grace  cannot  flow  in  us, 
because  we  are  unthankful  to  the  giver,  and  return 
them  not  wholly  to  the  source  and  fountain.^ 

For  grace  ever  attendeth  him  that  is  duly  thankful ; 
and  from  the  proud  shall  be  taken  that  which  is  wont 
to  be  given  to  the  humble. 

3.  I  desire  not  that  consolation  that  taketh  from 
me  compunction ;  nor  do  I  affect  that  contemplation 
which  leadeth  to  a  high  mind. 

For  all  that  is  high  is  not  holy;  nor  all  that  is 
sweet,  good ;  nor  every  desire,  pure ;  nor  is  every 
thing  that  is  dear  unto  us  pleasing  to  God. 

Willingly  do  I  accept  of  that  grace,  whereby  I 
may  ever  be  found  more  humble,  and  more  affected 
with  fear,  and  may  become  more  ready  to  renounce 
myself. 

He  that  is  taught  by  the  gift  of  grace,  and  schooled 
by  the  withdrawing  thereof,  will  not  dare  to  attribute 
any  good  to  himself,  but  will  rather  acknowledge 
himself  to  be  poor  and  naked. 

Give  unto  God  that  which  is  God's,^  and  ascribe 
unto  thyself  that  which  is  thine  own;  that  is,  give 
thanks  to  God  for  His  grace ;  and  acknowledge  that 
to  thyself  alone  is  to  be  attributed  sin,  and  the  pun- 
ishment due  to  sin. 


*  Ecclus.  L  5. 


^  Matt.  xxii.  21. 


92    (^f  (^xntxtu&t  fox  iU  (^xm  tuf  (^oL 


4.  Set  thyself  always  in  the  lowest  place  ^  and  the 
highest  shall  be  given  thee ;  for  the  highest  is  not 
without  the  lowest. 

The  chiefest  Saints  before  God  are  the  least  in  their 
own  judgments ;  and  the  more  glorious  they  are,  so 
much  the  humbler  within  themselves. 

Those  that  are  full  of  truth  and  heavenly  glory, 
are  not  desirous  of  empty  glory. 

Those  that  are  firm.ly  settled  and  grounded  in  God, 
can  in  no  way  be  proud. 

And  they  that  ascribe  all  good  unto  God,  whatso- 
ever they  have  received,  seek  not  glory  one  of  an- 
other, but  desire  that  glory  which  is  from  God  alone  ; 
and  above  all  things  that  God  may  be  praised  in 
Himself,  and  in  all  His  saints ;  and  are  always  press- 
ing on  for  this  very  thing. 

5.  Be  therefore  thankful  for  the  least  gift,  so  shalt 
thou  be  meet  to  receive  greater. 

Let  the  least  be  unto  thee  even  as  the  greatest,  yea 
the  most  contemptible  gift  as  of  especial  value. 

If  thou  consider  the  worth  of  the  giver,  no  gift 
will  seem  little,  or  of  too  mean  esteem.  For  that 
cannot  be  little  which  is  given  by  the  most  High  God. 

Yea,  if  He  should  give  punishment  and  stripes,  it 
ought  to  be  matter  of  thankfulness ;  because  He  do- 
eth  always  for  our  welfare,  whatsoever  He  permitted 
to  happen  unto  us. 

He  that  desireth  to  keep  the  grace  of  God,  let  him 
be  thankful  for  grace  given,  and  patient  for  the  tak- 
ing away  thereof:  let  him  pray  that  it  may  return; 
let  him  be  cautious  and  humble,  lest  he  lose  it. 


'  Luke  xiv.  10. 


CHAPTER  XL 
the  Lovers  of  the  Cross  ^t/*  Jesus  are  Few, 

JESUS  hath  now  many  lovers  of  His  heavenly  king- 
dom, but  few  bearers  of  His  cross. 
He  hath  many  desirous  of  consolation,  but  few  of 
tribulation. 

He  findeth  many  companions  of  His  table,  but  few 
of  His  abstinence. 

All  desire  to  rejoice  with  Him,  few  are  willing  to 
endure  anything  for  Him. 

Many  follow  Jesus  unto  the  breaking  of  bread;  but 
few  to  the  drinking  of  the  cup  of  His  passion.^ 

Many  reverence  His  miracles,  few  follow  the  igno- 
miny of  His  cross. 

Many  love  Jesus  so  long  as  no  adversities  befall 
them. 

Many  praise  and  bless  Him  so  long  as  they  receive 
any  consolation  from  Him. 

But  if  Jesus  hide  Himself,  and  leave  them  but  a 
little  while,  they  fall  either  into  complaining,  or  into 
too  much  dejection  of  mind. 

2.  But  they  who  love  Jesus  for  His  own  sake,  and 
not  for  some  special  comfort  which  they  receive,  bless 
Him  in  all  tribulation  and  anguish  of  heart,  as  well  as 
in  the  state  of  highest  comfort. 

Yea  although  He  should  never  be  willing  to  give 
them  comfort,  they  notwithstanding  would  ever  praise 
Him,  and  wish  to  be  always  giving  thanks. 


*  Luke  ix»  14 }  xxu.  41,  42. 


94  ©feat  tixt  "^ovtx^  tuf  the  (&xm  )xn 


3.  O  how  powerful  is  the  pure  love  of  Jesus, 
which  is  mixed  with  no  self-interest,  nor  self-love ! 

Are  not  all  those  to  be  called  mercenary,  who  are 
ever  seeking  consolations  ? 

Do  they  not  show  themselves  to  be  rather  lovers  of 
themselves  than  of  Christ,  who  are  always  thinking 
of  their  own  profit  and  advantage 

Where  shall  one  be  found  who  is  willing  to  serve 
God  for  naught  ? 

4.  Rarely  is  any  one  found  so  spiritual  as  to  have 
suffered  the  loss  of  all  things. 

For  where  is  any  man  to  be  found  that  is  indeed 
poor  in  spirit,  and  thoroughly  void  of  all  leaning  on 
created  things?  "From  afar,  yea  from  the  ends  of 
the  earth,  is  his  value."  2 

If  a  man  should  give  all  his  substance,  it  is  as  yet 
nothing. 

And  if  he  should  practise  great  repentance,  still  it 
is  little. 

And  if  he  should  attain  to  all  knowledge,  he  is  still 
afar  off. 

And  if  he  should  be  of  great  virtue,  and  of  very 
fervent  devotion,  yet  there  is  much  wanting:  espe- 
cially one  thing,  which  is  most  necessary  for  him. 

What  is  that  ?  That  leaving  all,  he  forsake  him- 
self, and  go  wholly  from  himself,^  and  retain  nothing 
of  self-love. 

And  when  he  hath  done  all  that  is  to  be  done,  so 
far  as  he  knoweth,  let  him  think  that  he  hath  done 
nothing. 


*  Phil.  ii.  21.  ^  Prov.  xxxi.  10,  Latin  version.  ^  Matt.  xvi.  24 


5.  Let  him  not  think  that  of  great  weight,  which 
might  be  esteemed  great;  but  let  him  in  truth  pro- 
nounce himself  to  be  an  unprofitable  servant,  as  the 
Truth  Himself  saith,  When  you  shall  have  done  all 
things  that  are  commanded  you,  say,  we  are  unprofit- 
able servants."  ^ 

Then  may  he  be  truly  poor  and  naked  in  spirit,  and 
say  with  the  Prophet,  "  I  am  desolate  and  afflicted."  ^ 

Yet  none  is  richer  than  that  man,  none  more  power- 
ful, none  more  free ;  for  he  knoweth  how  to  leave 
himself  and  all  things,  and  to  set  himself  in  the  lowest 
place. 

CHAPTER  XII. 
Of  the  Royal  Way  of  the  Holy  Cross, 

UNTO  many  this  seemeth  an  hard  speech,  "  Deny 
thyself,  take  up  thy  cross,  and  follow  Jesus."  ^ 
But  much  harder  will  it  be  to  hear  that  last  word, 
Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire."* 
For  they  who  now  willingly  hear  and  follow  the  word 
of  the  cross,  shall  not  then  fear^  to  hear  the  sentence 
of  everlasting  damnation. 

This  sign  of  the  cross  shall  be  in  the  heaven,  when 
the  Lord  shall  come  to  judgment. 

Then  all  the  servants  of  the  cross,  who  in  their 
life-time  conformed  themselves  unto  Christ  crucified, 
shall  draw  near  unto  Christ  the  judge  with  great  con- 
fidence. 


^  Luke  xvii.  10.  ^  Matt.  xvi.  24.  ^  Psalm  cxii.  7. 
°  Psalm  XXV.  16        *  Matt  xxv.  41. 


2.  Why  therefore  fearest  thou  to  take  up  the  cross 
which  leadeth  thee  to  a  kingdom  ? 

In  the  cross  is  salvation,  in  the  cross  is  life,  in  the 
cross  is  protection  against  our  enemies,  in  the  cross 
is  infusion  of  heavenly  sweetness,  in  the  cross  is 
strength  of  mind,  in  the  cross  joy  of  spirit,  in  the 
cross  the  height  of  virtue,  in  the  cross  the  perfection 
of  sanctity. 

There  is  no  salvation  of  the  soul,  nor  hope  of  ever- 
lasting life,  but  in  the  cross. 

Take  up  therefore  thy  cross  and  follow  Jesus,*  and 
thou  shalt  go  into  life  everlasting.  He  went  before, 
bearing  His  cross,^  and  died  for  thee  on  the  cross ; 
that  thou  mightest  also  bear  thy  cross  and  desire  to 
die  on  the  cross  with  Him. 

For  if  thou  be  dead  with  Him,  thou  shalt  also  live 
with  Him.  And  if  thou  be  His  companion  in  punish- 
ment, thou  shalt  be  partaker  with  Him  also  in  glory.^ 

3.  Behold  !  in  the  cross  all  doth  consist,  and  all 
lieth  in  our  dying  thereon ;  for  there  is  no  other  way 
unto  life,  and  unto  true  inward  peace,  but  the  way  of 
the  holy  cross,  and  of  daily  mortification. 

Go  where  thou  wilt,  seek  whatsoever  thou  wilt,  thou 
shalt  not  find  a  higher  way  above,  nor  a  safer  way  be- 
low, than  the  way  of  the  holy  cross. 

Dispose  and  order  all  things  according  to  thy  will 
and  judgment;  yet  thou  shalt  ever  find,  that  of  ne- 
cessity thou  must  suffer  somewhat,  either  willingly 
or  against  thy  will,  and  so  thou  shalt  ever  find  the 
cross. 


'  Luke  xiVo  27.        ^  John  xix.  17.       ^2  Cor.  i  5. 


For  either  thou  shalt  feel  pain  in  thy  body,  or  in 
thy  soul  thou  shalt  suffer  tribulation. 

4.  Sometimes  thou  shalt  be  forsaken  of  God, 
sometimes  thou  shalt  be  troubled  by  thy  neighbors; 
and,  what  is  more,  oftentimes  thou  shalt  be  weari- 
some to  thyself. 

Neither  canst  thou  be  delivered  or  eased  by  any 
remedy  or  comfort ;  but  so  long  as  it  pleaseth  God, 
thou  must  bear  it. 

For  God  will  have  thee  learn  to  suffer  tribulation 
without  comfort;  and  that  thou  subject  thyself  wholly 
to  Him,  and  by  tribulation  become  more  humble. 

No  man  hath  so  in  his  heart  a  sympathy  with  the 
passion  of  Christ,  as  he  who  hath  suffered  the  like 
himself. 

The  cross  therefore  is  always  ready,  and  every- 
where waits  for  thee. 

Thou  canst  not  escape  it  whithersoever  thou  run- 
nest;  for  wheresoever  thou  goest,  thou  earnest  thy- 
self with  thee,  and  shalt  ever  find  thyself. 

Both  above  and  below,  without  and  within,  which 
way  soever  thou  dost  turn  thee,  everywhere  thou  shalt 
find  the  cross;  and  everywhere  of  necessity  thou 
must  hold  fast  patience,  if  thou  wilt  have  inward 
peace,  and  enjoy  an  everlasting  crown. 

5.  If  thou  bear  the  cross  cheerfully,  it  will  bear 
thee,  and  lead  thee  to  the  desired  end,  namely,  where 
there  shall  be  an  end  of  suffering,  though  here  there 
shall  not  be. 

If  thou  bear  it  unwillingly,  thou  makest  for  thyself 


a  burden,  and  increases!  thy  load,  which  yet  notwith- 
standing thou  must  bear. 

If  thou  cast  away  one  cross,  without  doubt  thou 
shalt  find  another,  and  that  perhaps  more  heavy. 

6.  Thinkest  thou  to  escape  that  which  no  mortal 
man  could  ever  avoid?  Which  of  the  saints  in  the 
world  was  without  crosses,  and  tribulation. 

For  not  even  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  was  ever  one 
hour  without  the  anguish  of  His  Passion,  so  long  as 
He  lived.  "  Christ "  (saith  He)  "  must  needs  suffer, 
and  rise  again  from  the  dead,  and  so  enter  into  His 
glory."  *  And  how  dost  thou  seek  any  other  way  than 
this  royal  way,  which  is  the  way  of  the  holy  cross. 

7.  Christ's  whole  life  was  a  cross  and  martyrdom  : 
and  dost  thou  seek  rest  and  joy  for  thyself.^ 

Thou  art  deceived,  thou  art  deceived  if  thou  seek 
any  other  thing  than  to  suffer  tribulations ;  for  this 
whole  mortal  life  is  full  of  miseries,^  and  marked  on 
every  side  with  crosses. 

And  the  higher  a  person  hath  advanced  in  the 
Spirit,  so  much  the  heavier  crosses  he  oftentimes 
findeth ;  because  the  grief  of  his  banishment  increas- 
eth  with  his  love  to  God. 

8.  Nevertheless  this  man,  though  so  many  ways 
afflicted,  is  not  without  refreshing  comfort,  for  that 
he  perceiveth  very  much  benefit  to  accrue  unto  him 
by  the  bearing  of  his  own  cross. 

For  whilst  he  willingly  putteth  himself  under  it, 
all  the  burden  of  tribulation  is  turned  into  the  confi- 
dence of  divine  comfort. 


^  Luke  xxiv.  26. 


*  Job  vii.  I. 


m  m  Wm^        ft  the  Itfly  (&tm.  99 


And  the  more  the  flesh  is  wasted  by  affliction,  so 
much  the  more  is  the  spirit  strengthened  by  inward 
grace. 

And  sometimes  he  is  so  comforted  with  the  desire 
of  tribulation  and  adversity,  for  the  love  of  conformity 
to  the  cross  of  Christ,  that  he  would  not  wish  to  be 
without  grief  and  tribulation ;  ^  because  he  believes 
that  he  shall  be  unto  God  so  much  the  more  accept- 
able, the  more  and  the  more  grievous  things  he  is 
permitted  to  suffer  for  Him. 

This  is  not  the  power  of  man,  but  it  is  the  grace  of 
Christ,  which  can  and  doth  so  much  in  frail  flesh ;  so 
that  what  naturally  it  always  abhors  and  flees  from, 
that  through  fervor  of  spirit  it  encounters  and  loves. 

9.  It  is  not  according  to  man's  inclination  to  bear 
the  cross,  to  love  the  cross,  to  chastise  the  body  and 
bring  it  into  subjection,  to  flee  honors,  willingly  to 
suffer  contumelies,  to  despise  one's  self  and  to  wish 
to  be  despised,  to  endure  all  adversities  and  losses, 
and  to  desire  no  prosperity  in  this  world. 

If  thou  look  to  thyself,  thou  shalt  be  able  of  thyself 
to  accomplish  nothing  of  this  kind.^ 

But  if  thou  trust  in  the  Lord,  strength  shall  be 
given  thee  from  heaven,  and  the  world  and  the  flesh 
shall  be  made  subject  to  thy  command. 

Neither  shalt  thou  fear  thine  enemy  the  devil,  if 
thou  be  armed  with  faith,  and  signed  with  the  cross 
of  Christ. 

10.  Set  thyself  therefore,  like  a  good  and  faithful 
servant  of  Christ,  to  bear  manfully  the  cross  of  thy 
Lord,  who  out  of  love  was  crucified  for  thee. 


*  2  Cor.  iv.  161  xi.  23-^3a 


*  2  Cor.  ill  5. 


Prepare  thyself  to  bear  many  adversities  and  divers 
kinds  of  troubles  in  this  miserable  life ;  for  so  it  will 
be  with  thee,  wheresoever  thou  art,  and  so  surely 
thou  shalt  find  it,  wheresoever  thou  hide  thyself. 

So  it  must  be  ;  nor  is  there  any  remedy  nor  means 
to  escape  from  tribulation  and  sorrow,  but  only  to 
endure  them. 

Drink  of  the  Lord's  cup^  with  hearty  affection,  if 
thou  desire  to  be  His  friend,  and  to  have  part  with 
Him. 

As  for  comforts,  leave  them  to  God ;  let  Him  do 
therein  as  shall  best  please  Him. 

But  do  thou  set  thyself  to  suffer  tribulations,  and 
account  them  the  greatest  comforts ;  for  the  suffer- 
ings of  this  present  time,  although  thou  alone  couldst 
suffer  them  all,  cannot  worthily  deserve  the  glory 
which  is  to  come. 

11.  When  thou  shalt  come  to  this  estate,  that 
tribulation  2  shall  seem  sweet,  and  thou  shalt  relish 
it  for  Christ's  sake;  then  think  it  to  be  well  with 
thee,  for  thou  hast  found  a  paradise  upon  earth. 

As  long  as  it  is  grievous  to  thee  to  suffer,  and  thou 
desirest  to  escape,  so  long  shalt  thou  be  ill  at  ease, 
and  the  desire  of  escaping  tribulation  shall  follow 
thee  everywhere. 

12.  If  thou  dost  set  thyself  to  that  thou  oughtest, 
namely,  to  suffering  and  to  death,  it  will  quickly  be 
better  with  thee,  and  thou  shalt  find  peace. 

Although  thou  shouldst  have  been  rapt  even  unto 
the  third  heaven  with  Paul,^  thou  art  not  by  this 

^Matt.  XX.  23;  John  xviii.  11.     ^Rom.  v.  3;  Gal.  vi.  14* 

3  2  Core  xii.  4. 


m  m  iByal  ^aj}  of  the  f     dttm.  101 


secured  that  thou  shalt  suffer  no  adversity.  "  I  will 
show  him  "  (saith  Jesus)  "  how  great  things  he  must 
suffer  for  my  name."^ 

It  remaineth  therefore,  that  thou  suffer,  if  it  please 
thee  to  love  Jesus,  and  to  serve  Him  constantly. 

13.  O  that  thou  wert  worthy  to  suffer  something 
for  the  Name  of  Jesus  How  great  glory  would 
remain  unto  thyself ;  what  joy  would  arise  to  all 
God's  saints  ;  how  great  edification  also  to  thy  neigh- 
bor! 

For  all  men  recommend  patience ;  few,  however, 
they  are  who  are  willing  to  suffer. 

With  great  reason  oughtest  thou  cheerfully  to  suffer 
some  little  for  Christ's  sake;  since  many  suffer  more 
grievous  things  for  the  world. 

14.  Know  for  certain  that  thou  oughtest  to  lead  a 
dying  life.^  And  the  more  any  man  dieth  to  him- 
self, so  much  the  more  doth  he  begin  to  live  unto 
God. 

No  man  is  fit  to  comprehend  things  heavenly,  unless 
he  submit  himself  to  the  bearing  of  adversities  for 
Christ's  sake. 

Nothing  is  more  acceptable  to  God,  nothing  more 
wholesome  to  thee  in  this  world,  than  that  thou  suffer 
cheerfully  for  Christ. 

And  if  thou  couldst  choose,  thou  oughtest  rather  to 
wish  to  suffer  adversities  for  Christ,  than  to  be  re- 
freshed with  many  consolations ;  because  thou  wouldst 
thus  be  more  like  unto  Christ,  and  more  conformable 
to  all  the  saints. 


•  Acts  ix.  16. 


*Acts  V.  4I0 


3  Psalm  xliv.  22. 


For  our  worthiness  and  the  growth  of  our  spiritual 
estate  consisteth  not  in  many  sweetnesses  and  com- 
forts; but  rather  in  the  patient  enduring  of  great 
afflictions  and  tribulations. 

15.  Indeed  if  there  had  been  any  better  thing,  and 
more  profitable  to  man's  salvation,  than  suffering, 
surely  Christ  would  have  showed  it  by  word  and 
example. 

For  both  the  disciples  that  followed  Him,  and  also 
all  who  desire  to  follow  Him,  He  plainly  exhorteth  to 
the  bearing  of  the  cross,  and  saith,  "  If  any  man  will 
come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his 
cross,  and  follow  me."i 

So  that  when  we  have  thoroughly  read  and  searched 
all,  let  this  be  the  final  conclusion,  "That  through 
much  tribulation  we  must  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God."  2 


*  Luke  ix.  23. 


*Acts  xiv.  22, 


OF   INTERNAL  CONSOLATION. 


CHAPTER  L 

Of  Chrisfs   speaking   inwardly  to  the  Faithful 
Soul, 

I WILL  hearken  what  the  Lord  God  will  speak  in 

Blessed  is  the  soul  which  heareth  the  Lord  speak- 
ing within  her,2  and  receiveth  from  His  mouth  the 
word  of  consolation. 

Blessed  are  the  ears  that  gladly  receive  the  pulses 
of  the  Divine  whisper,^  and  give  no  heed  to  the  many- 
whisperings  of  this  world. 

Blessed  indeed  are  those  ears  which  listen  not 
after  the  voice  which  is  sounding  without,  but  for  the 
Truth  teaching  within. 

Blessed  are  the  eyes  which  are  shut  to  outward 
things,  but  intent  on  things  within. 

Blessed  are  they  that  enter  far  into  inward  things, 


*  Psalm  Ixxxv.  8.       ^  i  Sam.  iii.  9,      ^Matt.  xiii.  16, 17. 
103 


104     #f  tilt  Wxntlx  ^pafei«0  iitw^dls. 


and  endeavor  to  prepare  themselves,  more  and  more, 
by  daily  exercises,  for  the  receiving  of  heavenly 
secrets. 

Blessed  are  they  who  are  glad  to  have  time  to 
spare  for  God,  and  who  shake  off  all  worldly  hin- 
drances. 

2.  Consider  these  things,  O  my  soul,  and  shut  up 
the  door  of  thy  sensual  desires,  that  thou  mayest  hear 
what  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  speak  in  thee.^ 

Thus  saith  thy  Beloved,  I  am  thy  Salvation,^  thy 
Peace,  and  thy  Life :  keep  thyself  with  me,  and  thou 
shalt  find  peace. 

Let  go  all  transitory  things,  and  seek  those  that  be 
everlasting. 

What  are  all  temporal  things,  but  snares  ?  and 
what  can  all  creatures  avail  thee,  if  thou  be  forsaken 
by  the  Creator  ? 

Bid  farewell  therefore  to  all  things  else,  and  labor 
to  please  thy  Creator,  and  to  be  faithful  unto  Him, 
that  so  thou  mayest  be  able  to  attain  unto  true  bless- 
edness. 

CHAPTER  n. 

T/iaf  the  Truth  speaketh  Inwardly^  without  Noise 
of  Words, 

CPEAK,  Lord,  for  Thy  servant  heareth.^ 

^    I  am  Thy  servant,  grant  me  understanding,  that  I 

may  know  Thy  testimonies.* 


'  Psalm  Ixxxv.  8. 
^  Psalm  XXXV.  3.. 


3 1  Sam.  iii.  9. 
^  Psalm  cxix.  125. 


<^f  tilt  ^xnt%  spafeing  ^nivM^Iy.  105 


Incline  my  heart  to  the  words  of  Thy  mouth :  let 
Thy  speech  distil  as  the  dew. 

The  children  of  Israel  in  times  past  said  unto 
Moses,  "Speak  thou  unto  us,  and  we  will  hear:  let 
not  the  Lord  speak  unto  us  lest  we  die."^ 

Not  so,  Lord,  not  so,  I  beseech  Thee :  but  rather 
with  the  prophet  Samuel,  I  humbly  and  earnestly 
entreat,  "  Speak,  Lord,  for  Thy  servant  heareth." 

Let  not  Moses  speak  unto  me,  nor  any  of  the 
prophets,  but  rather  do  thou  speak,  O  Lord  God,  the 
inspirer  and  enlightener  of  all  the  prophets ;  for 
thou  alone  without  them  canst  perfectly  instruct  me, 
but  they  without  thee  can  profit  nothing. 

2.  They  indeed  may  utter  words,  but  they  cannot 
give  the  Spirit. 

Most  beautifully  do  they  speak,  but  if  thou  be 
silent,  they  inflame  not  the  heart. 

They  teach  the  letter,  but  thou  openest  the  sense: 
they  bring  forth  mysteries,  but  thou  unlockest  the 
meaning  of  sealed  things. 

They  declare  thy  commandments,  but  thou  helpest 
us  to  fulfil  them. 

They  point  out  the  way,  but  thou  givest  strength 
to  walk  in  it. 

They  work  only  outwardly,  but  thou  instructest 
and  enlightenest  the  heart. 

They  water,  but  thou  givest  the  increase. 

They  cry  aloud  in  words,  but  thou  impartest  un- 
derstanding to  the  hearing. 

3.  Let  not  Moses  therefore  speak  unto  me,  but 
thou,  O  Lord  my  God,  the  everlasting  Truth ;  lest  I 


*  Exod.  XX.  19. 


die,  and  prove  unfruitful,  if  I  be  only  warned  out- 
wardly, and  not  inflamed  within  : 

Lest  it  turn  to  my  condemnation,  —  the  word  heard 
and  not  fulfilled,  known  and  not  loved,  believed  and 
not  observed. 

Speak  therefore.  Lord,  for  thy  servant  heareth ;  for 
thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life.^ 

Speak  thou  unto  me,  to  the  comfort,  however  im- 
perfect, of  my  soul,  and  to  the  amendment  of  my 
whole  life,  and  to  thy  praise  and  glory  and  honor 
everlasting, 

CHAPTER  in. 

T/iaif  the   Words  of  God  are  to  be  heard  with 
Humility^  and  that  many  weigh  them  not, 

IVf  Y  son,  hear  my  words,  words  of  greatest  sweet- 
ness,  surpassing  all  the  knowledge  of  the  phi- 
losophers and  wise  men  of  this  world. 

"  My  words  are  Spirit  and  Life,"  ^  and  not  to  be 
weighed  by  the  understanding  of  man. 

They  are  not  to  be  drawn  forth  for  vain  approba- 
tion, but  to  be  heard  in  silence,  and  to  be  received 
with  all  humility  and  great  affection. 

And  I  said.  Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  shalt 
instruct,  O  Lord,  and  shalt  teach  out  of  thy  law,  that 
thou  mayest  give  him  rest  from  the  evil  days,^  and 
that  he  be  not  desolate  upon  earth. 


'John  vi.  68.       ^ John  vi.  63.        ^pgalm  xciv.  12,  130 


2.  I  TAUGHT  the  prophets  from  the  beginning^ 
(saith  the  Lord),  and  cease  not,  even  to  this  day,  to 
speak  to  all ;  but  many  are  hardened,  and  deaf  to  my 
voice. 

Most  men  do  more  willingly  listen  to  the  world 
than  to  God ;  they  sooner  follow  the  desires  of  their 
own  flesh,  tlian  God's  good  pleasure. 

The  world  promiseth  things  temporal  and  mean, 
and  is  served  with  great  eagerness:  I  promise  things 
most  high  and  eternal;  and  yet  the  hearts  of  men 
remain  torpid  and  insensible. 

Who  is  there  that  in  all  things  serveth  and  obeyeth 
me  with  so  great  care  as  the  world  and  its  lords  are 
served  withal  ?  Be  ashamed,  O  Sidon,  saith  the  sea.^ 
And  if  thou  ask  the  cause,  hear  wherefore. 

For  a  small  income  a  long  journey  is  undertaken; 
for  everlasting  life  many  will  scarce  once  lift  a  foot 
from  the  ground. 

The  most  pitiful  reward  is  sought  after ;  for  a  sin- 
gle bit  of  money  sometimes  there  is  shameful  conten- 
tion ;  for  a  vain  matter  and  slight  promise  men  fear 
not  to  toil  day  and  night. 

3.  But,  alas  !  for  an  unchangeable  good,  for  an  in- 
estimable reward,  for  the  highest  honor,  and  glory  with- 
out end,  they  grudge  even  the  least  fatigue. 

Be  ashamed,  therefore,  thou  slothful  and  complain- 
ing servant,  that  they  are  found  to  be  more  ready  to 
destruction  than  thou  to  life. 

They  rejoice  more  in  vanity  than  thou  dost  in  the 
truth. 

Sometimes,  indeed,  they  are  frustrated  of  their 


»Heb.  i.  I. 


*  Compare  Isaiah  xxiii,  4- 


108  m  fating  <^oA'^  Woxd  witli  IttmiWij. 


hope ;  but  my  promise  deceiveth  none/  nor  sendeth 
him  away  empty  that  trusteth  in  me. 

What  I  have  promised,  I  will  give  ;  what  I  have 
said  I  will  fulfil ;  if  only  any  man  remain  faithful  in 
my  love  even  to  the  end. 

I  am  the  rewarder  of  all  good  men,^  and  the  strong 
approver  of  all  who  are  devoted  to  me. 

4.  Write  thou  my  words  in  thy  heart,  and  meditate 
diligently  on  them  ;  for  in  time  of  temptation  they  will 
be  very  needful  for  thee. 

What  thou  understandest  not  when  thou  readest, 
thou  shalt  know  in  the  day  of  visitation. 

In  two  ways  I  am  wont  to  visit  mine  elect,  namely, 
with  temptation  and  with  consolation. 

And  I  daily  read  two  lessons  to  them,  one  in  re- 
proving their  vices,  another  in  exhorting  them  to  the 
increase  of  all  virtues. 

He  that  hath  my  words  and  despiseth  them,  hath 
one  that  shall  judge  him  in  the  last  day. 

5.  A  Prayer  to  i7nplore  the  Grace  of  Devotion, 

O  Lord,  my  God !  Thou  art  to  me  whatsoever  is 
good.  And  who  am  I,  that  I  should  dare  to  speak  to 
thee  ?^  I  am  thy  poorest,  meanest  servant,  and  a 
most  vile  worm,  much  more  poor  and  contemptible 
than  I  can  or  dare  express. 

Yet  do  thou  remember,  O  Lord,  that  I  am  nothing, 
have  nothing,  and  can  do  nothing. 

Thou  alone  art  good,  just,  and  holy;  thou  canst  do 

*  Rom.  i.  16;  Matt.  xxiv.  35. 
^Rev.  ii.  23;  Matt.  v.  6;  xxx.  21. 
3  Gen.  xviii.  27;  I  Sam.  xviiL  18,  23. 


m  Wmxnti  in  Wxm  mxH  lumility.  109 


all  things,  thou  accomplishest  all  things,  thou  fillest 
all  things,  only  the  sinner  thou  leavest  empty. 

Remember  thy  mercies,  and  fill  my  heart  with  thy 
grace,  thou  who  wilt  not  that  thy  works  should  be 
void  and  in  vain. 

6.  How  can  I  bear  up  myself  in  this  miserable 
life,  unless  thou  strengthen  me  with  thy  mercy  and 
grace  ? 

Turn  not  thy  face  away  from  me ;  ^  delay  not  thy 
visitation ;  withdraw  not  thy  consolation,  lest  my  soul 
become  as  a  thirsty  land. 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  to  do  thy  will ;  2  teach  me  to 
live  worthily  and  humbly  in  thy  sight;  for  thou  art 
my  wisdom,  thou  dost  truly  know  me,  and  didst  know 
me  before  the  world  was  made,  and  before  I  was 
born  into  the  world. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

T/iaf  we  ought  to  live  in  Truth  and  Humility 
before  God, 

Ayf  Y  son,  walk  thou  before  me  in  truth,  and  ever 
•'•'^-^seek  me  in  simplicity  of  thy  heart.^ 

He  that  walketh  before  me  in  truth,  shall  be  de- 
fended from  the  assaults  of  evil,  and  the  truth  shall 
set  him^  free  from  seducers,  and  from  the  slanders 
of  unjust  men. 

If  the  truth  shall  have  made  thee  free,  thou  shalt 


*  Psalm  Ixix.  17. 
^  Psalm  cxliii.  10. 


^Gen.  xvii.  i ;  Wis.  i.  i. 
-♦John  viii.  32. 


110  (^f  Walfeinfl  in  ^xutU  "gnmxUi^. 


be  free  indeed,  and  shalt  not  care  for  the  vain  words 
of  men. 

O  Lord,  it  is  true.  According  as  thou  sayest :  so,. 
I  beseech  thee,  let  it  be  with  me ;  let  thy  truth  teach 
me,  guard  me,  and  preserve  me  safe  to  the  end. 

Let  it  set  me  free  from  all  evil  affection  and  inor- 
dinate love;  and  I  shall  walk  with  thee  in  great 
liberty  of  heart. 

2.  I  WILL  teach  thee  (saith  the  Truth)  those  things 
which  are  right  and  pleasing  in  my  sight. 

Reflect  on  thy  sins  with  great  displeasure  and 
grief;  and  never  esteem  thyself  to  be  anything,, 
because  of  any  good  works. 

In  truth  thou  art  a  sinner;  thou  art  subject  to  and 
encumbered  with  many  passions.  Of  thyself  thou 
always  tendest  to  nothing;  speedily  art  thou  cast 
down,  speedily  overcome,  speedily  disordered,  speed- 
ily dissolved. 

Thou  hast  nothing  whereof  thou  canst  glory,^  but 
many  things  for  which  thou  oughtest  to  account  thy- 
self vile;  for  thou  art  much  weaker  than  thou  art 
able  to  comprehend. 

3.  And  therefore  let  nothing  seem  much  unto  thee 
whatsoever  thou  doest. 

Let  nothing  seem  great,  nothing  precious  and  won- 
derful, nothing  worthy  of  estimation,  nothing  high, 
nothing  truly  commendable,  and  to  be  desired,  but 
that  alone  which  is  eternal. 

Let  the  eternal  truth  be  above  all  things  pleasing 
to  thee :  Let  thine  own  extreme  unworthiness  be 
alwa3's  displeasing  to  thee. 


*  I  Cor.  iv.  7. 


(^f  Walfeittg  in  ^xntU  mA  i^umilitg.  ill 


Fear  nothing,  blame  nothing,  flee  nothing,  so  much 
as  thy  vices  and  sins ;  which  ought  to  be  more  un- 
pleasing  to  thee  than  any  losses  whatsoever  of  things 
earthly. 

Some  walk  not  sincerely  in  my  sight,^  but  out  of 
curiosity  and  pride  desire  to  know  my  secrets,  and  to- 
understand  the  high  things  of  God,  neglecting  them- 
selves and  their  own  salvation. 

These  oftentimes,  when  I  oppose  myself  to  them, 
for  their  pride  and  curiosity  do  fall  into  great  temp- 
tations and  sins. 

4.  Fear  thou  the  judgments  of  God,  and  dread  the 
wrath  of  the  Almighty.  Discuss  not  thou  the  works 
of  the  Most  High,  but  search  diligently  thine  own  in- 
iquities, in  how  great  things  thou  hast  offended,  and 
how  many  good  things  thou  hast  neglected. 

Some  place  their  devotion  only  in  books,  some  in 
pictures,  some  in  outward  signs  and  figures. 

Some  have  me  in  their  mouths,  but  little  in  their 
hearts.^ 

Others  there  are  who,  being  illuminated  in  their 
understandings,  and  purged  in  their  affection,  do 
always  pant  after  things  eternal,  are  unwilling  to 
hear  of  the  things  of  this  world,  and  serve  the  neces- 
sities of  nature  with  grief ;  and  these  perceive  what 
the  Spirit  of  truth  speaketh  in  them.^ 

For  He  teacheth  them  to  despise  earthly,  and  to 
love  heavenly  things;  to  neglect  the  world,  and  to 
desire  heaven  all  the  day  and  night.** 


^Ecclus.  iii.  21-23;  2  Cor.  ii.  17*  ^pgalm  xxv.  5. 
*  Isaiah  xxix.  13.  ^  Psalm  i.  2. 


112     m  m  mm  tt  ^wxm  ^mt. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Of  the  Wonderful  Effect  of  Divine  Love, 

T  BLESS  thee,  O  Heavenly  Father,  Father  of  my 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  for  that  thou  hast  vouchsafed 
to  remember  me  a  poor  creature. 

0  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort,^  thanks 
be  unto  thee,  who  sometiities  with  thy  comfort  re- 
freshest  me,  unworthy  as  I  am  of  all  comfort. 

1  will  always  bless  and  glorify  thee,  with  thine 
only-begotten  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Com- 
forter, for  ever  and  ever. 

Ah,  Lord  God,  thou  holy  lover  of  my  soul,  when 
thou  comest  into  my  heart,  all  that  is  within  me  shall 
rejoice. 

Thou  art  my  glory  and  the  exultation  of  my  heart : 
Thou  art  my  hope  and  refuge  in  the  day  of  my  tribu- 
lation.2 

2,  But  because  I  am  as  yet  weak  in  love,  and  im- 
perfect in  virtue,  I  have  need  to  be  strengthened  and 
comforted  by  thee;  visit  me  therefore  often,  and  in- 
struct me  with  all  holy  discipline. 

Set  me  free  from  evil  passions,  and  heal  my  heart 
of  all  inordinate  affections  :  that  being  inwardly  cured 
and  thoroughly  cleansed,  1  may  be  made  fit  to  love, 
courageous  to  suffer,  steady  to  persevere. 

3.  Love  is  a  great  thing,  yea,  a  great  and  thorough 
good;  by  itself  it  makes  everything  that  is  heavy, 
light :  and  it  bears  evenly  all  that  is  uneven. 


*2  Cor.  i.  3. 


^  Psalm  xxxii.  7  ;  lix.  16. 


m  tht  mUtt  0(  §mm  fott^  113 


For  it  carries  a  burden  which  is  no  burden, ^  and 
makes  everything  that  is  bitter,  sweet  and  savory. 

The  noble  love  of  Jesus  impels  a  man  to  do  great 
things,  and  stirs  him  up  to  be  always  longing  for 
what  is  more  perfect. 

Love  desires  to  be  on  high,  and  will  not  be  kept 
back  by  anything  low  and  mean. 

Love  desires  to  be  free,  and  estranged  from  all 
worldly  affections,  that  so  its  inward  sight  may  not 
be  hindered;  that  it  may  not  be  entangled  by  any 
temporal  prosperity,  or  subdued  by  any  adversity. 

Nothing  is  sweeter  than  love,  nothing  more  coura^ 
geous,  nothing  higher,  nothing  w^ider,  nothing  more 
pleasant,  nothing  fuller  nor  better  in  heaven  and 
earth ;  because  love  is  born  of  God,  and  cannot  rest 
but  in  God,  above  all  created  things. 

4.  He  that  loveth,  flieth,  runneth  and  rejoiceth ;  he 
is  free  and  is  not  bound. 

He  giveth  all  for  all,  and  hath  all  in  all ;  because  he 
resteth  in  One  Highest  above  all  things,  from  whom 
all  that  is  good  flows  and  proceeds. 

He  respecteth  not  the  gifts,  but  turneth  himself 
above  all  goods  unto  the  giver. 

Love  oftentimes  knoweth  no  bounds,  but  is  fervent 
beyond  all  measure. 

Love  feels  no  burden,  thinks  nothing  of  trouble, 
attempts  what  is  above  its  strength,  pleads  no  excuse 
of  impossibility;  for  it  thinks  all  things  lawful  for 
itself  and  all  things  possible. 

It  is  therefore  able  to  undertake  all  things,  and  it 


^  Matt.  xi.  30. 


114      ®f  m  (^fUtt  0f  §mu  'g^m. 


completes  many  things,  and  brings  them  to  a  con- 
clusion, where  he  who  does  not  love,  faints  and  lies 
down. 

5.  Love  watcheth,  and,  sleeping,  slumbereth  not.^ 
Though  weary,  love  is  not  tired ;  though  pressed, 

it  is  not  straitened  ;  though  alarmed,  it  is  not  con- 
founded: but  as  a  lively  flame  and  burning  torch,  it 
forces  its  way  upwards,  and  securely  passes  through 
all. 

If  any  man  love,  he  knoweth  what  is  the  cry  of 
this  voice.  For  it  is  a  loud  cry  in  the  ears  of  God, 
this  ardent  affection  of  the  soul  which  saith,  "My 
God,  my  Love,  Thou  art  all  mine,  and  I  am  all 
thine." 

6.  Enlarge  thou  me  in  love,  that,  with  the  inward 
palate  of  my  heart,  I  may  taste  how  sweet  it  is  to 
love,  and  to  be  dissolved,  and  as  it  were  to  bathe  my- 
self in  thy  love. 

Let  me  be  possessed  by  love,  mounting  above  my- 
self, through  excessive  fervor  and  admiration. 

Let  me  sing  the  song  of  love,  let  me  follow  thee, 
my  Beloved,  on  high ;  let  my  soul  spend  itself  in  thy 
praise,  rejoicing  through  love. 

Let  me  love  thee  more  than  myself,  and  love  myself 
only  for  thee;  and  in  thee  all  that  truly  love  thee, 
as  the  law  of  love  commandeth,  shining  out  from 
thyself. 

7.  Love  is  active,  sincere,  affectionate,  pleasant, 
and  amiable ;  courageous,  patient,  faithful,  prudent, 
long-suffering,  manly,  and  never  seeking  itself.^ 


*  Rom.  viii.  19. 


^  I  Cor.  xiii.  5, 


For  in  whatever  instance  a  person  seeketh  himself, 
there  he  falleth  from  love.^ 

Love  is  circumspect,  humble,  and  upright;  not 
yielding  to  softness,  or  to  levity,  nor  attending  to 
vain  things;  it  is  sober,  chaste,  steady,  quiet,  and 
guarded  in  all  the  senses. 

Love  is  subject,  and  obedient  to  its  superiors*, 
unto  itself  mean  and  despised,  unto  God  devout  and 
thankful,  trusting  and  hoping  always  in  Him,  even 
then  when  God  imparteth  no  relish  of  sweetness 
unto  it:  for  without  sorrow  none  liveth  in  love. 

8.  He  that  is  not  prepared  to  suffer  all  things,  and 
to  stand  to  the  will  of  his  Beloved,  is  not  worthy  to 
be  called  a  lover. 

A  lover  ought  to  embrace  willingly  all  that  is  hard 
and  distasteful  for  the  sake  of  his  Beloved ;  and  not 
to  turn  away  from  Him  on  account  of  any  contra- 
dictions. 


CHAPTER  VL 
0/  the  Proving  of  a  True  Lover, 

MY  son,  thou  art  not  yet  a  courageous  and  con- 
siderate lover. 

Wherffore  sayest  Thou  this,  O  Lord 

Because  for  a  slight  opposition  thou  givest  over 
thy  undertakings,  and  too  eagerly  seekest  conso- 
lation. 


*  I  Cor.  X.  33;  Phil.  ii.  2i. 


A  courageous  lover  standeth  firm  in  temptations, 
and  giveth  no  credit  to  the  crafty  persuasions  of  the 
enemy.  As  I  please  him  in  prosperity,  so  in  adver- 
sity I  am  not  unpleasing  to  him.^ 

2.  A  wise  lover  regardeth  not  so  much  the  gift 
of  him  who  loves  him,  as  the  love  of  the  giver. 

He  esteems  the  good  will  rather  than  the  value  of 
the  gift,  and  sets  all  gifts  below  him  whom  he  loves. 

A  noble-minded  lover  resteth  not  in  the  gift,  but 
in  me  above  every  gift. 

All  therefore  is  not  lost,  if  sometimes  thou  thinkest 
less  of  me  or  my  saints  than  thou  wouldst. 

That  good  and  sweet  affection  which  thou  some- 
times feelest,  is  the  effect  of  grace  present,  and  a  sort 
of  foretaste  of  thy  heavenly  home :  but  hereon  thou 
must  not  lean  too  much,  for  it  cometh  and  goeth. 

But  to  strive  against  evil  faults  which  may  befall 
thee,  and  to  reject ^  with  scorn  the  suggestions  of  the 
devil,  is  a  notable  sign  of  virtue,  and  shall  have  great 
reward. 

3.  Let  no  strange  fancies  therefore  trouble  thee, 
which  on  any  subject  whatever  may  crowd  into  thy 
mind.  Keep  thy  purpose  with  courage,  and  preserve 
an  upright  intention  towards  God. 

Neither  is  it  an  illusion  that  sometimes  thou  art 
suddenly  rapt  on  high,  and  presently  returnest  again 
unto  the  accustomed  vanities  of  thy  heart. 

For  these  thou  dost  rather  unwilhngly  suffer,  than 
commit :  and  so  long  as  they  displease  thee,  and  thou 
strivest  against  them,  it  is  matter  of  reward,  and  not 
of  loss. 


*  Phil.  iv.  1 1 -13. 


*Matt.  iv.  10. 


4c  Know  that  the  old  enemy  doth  strive  by  all 
means  to  hinder  thy  desire  to  good,  and  to  divert 
thee  from  all  religious  exercises ;  particularly,  from 
the  reverent  estimation  of  God's  saints,  from  the 
devout  commemoration  of  my  Passion,  from  the  pro- 
fitable remembrance  of  thy  sins,  from  the  guard  of 
thine  own  heart,  and  from  the  firm  purpose  of  advanc- 

incr  in  virtue. 
•  *^ 

Many  evil  thoughts  does  he  suggest  to  thee,  that 
so  he  may  cause  a  wearisomeness  and  horror  in  thee^ 
to  call  thee  back  from  prayer  and  holy  reading. 

Humble  confession  is  displeasing  unto  him  ;  and  if 
he  could,  he  would  cause  thee  to  cease  from  Holy 
Communion. 

Trust  him  not,  nor  heed  him,  although  he  should 
often  set  snares  of  deceit  to  entrap  thee. 

Charge  him  with  it,  when  he  suggesteth  evil  and 
unclean  thoughts  unto  thee  ;  say  unto  him. 

Away  thou  unclean  spirit !  ^  blush  thou  miserable 
wretch !  most  unclean  art  thou  that  bringest  such 
things  unto  mine  ears. 

"Begone  from  me,  thou  wicked  seducer!  thou 
shalt  have  no  part  in  me:  but  Jesus  shall  be  with 
me  as  a  strong  warrior,  and  thou  shalt  stand  con- 
founded. 

"  I  had  rather  die,  and  undergo  any  torment,  than 
consent  unto  thee. 

"  Hold  thy  peace  and  be  silent ;  I  will  hear  thee  no 
more,  though  thou  shouldst  work  me  many  troubles. 
*  The  Lord  is  my  Light  and  my  Salvation,  whom  shall 
I  fear? '2 

'Matt.  iv.  10 ;  xvi.  23.  ^ Psalm  xxvii.  i. 


118     ®f  (^xm  tiMxAtA  ifwrnilits* 


"  Though  an  host  of  men  rose  against  me,  yet 
should  not  my  heart  be  afraid.  The  Lord  is  my 
Helper  and  my  Redeemer." 

5.  Fight  like  a  good  soldier :  ^  and  if  thou  some- 
times fall  through  frailty,  take  again  greater  strength 
than  before,  trusting  in  my  more  abundant  grace  : 
and  take  great  heed  of  vain  pleasing  of  thyself,  and 
of  pride. 

Pride  brings  many  into  error,  and  makes  them 
sometimes  fall  into  blindness  almost  incurable. 

Let  the  fall  of  the  proud,  thus  foolishly  presuming 
on  their  own  strength,  serve  thee  for  a  warning,  and 
keep  thee  ever  bumble. 

CHAPTER  VIL 
T/ia^  Grace  is  to  be  guarded  by  Humility, 

ly  Y  son,  it  is  more  profitable  for  thee  and  more 
safe,  to  conceal  the  grace  of  devotion,  not  to 
lift  thyself  on  high,  nor  to  speak  much  thereof,  nor 
to  dwell  much  thereon ;  but  rather  to  despise  thyself, 
and  to  fear  lest  the  grace  have  been  given  to  one 
unworthy  of  it. 

This  affection  thou  must  not  too  earnestly  cleave 
unto,  for  it  may  be  quickly  changed  to  the  contrary. 

Think  when  thou  art  in  grace,  how  miserable  and 
needy  thou  art  wont  to  be  without  grace. 

Nor  is  it  in  this  only  that  thy  progress  in  spiritual 
life  consists,  that  thou  hast  the  grace  of  comfort; 


*  Psalm  xxvii.  14;  i  Tim.  vi.  12. 


Of  a^xutt  fimxAtd  ha  PttmUita.  119 


but  rather  that  with  humihty,  self-denial,  and  patience, 
thou  endurest  the  withdrawing  thereof ;  provided  thou 
do  not  then  become  listless  in  the  exercise  of  prayer, 
nor  suffer  the  rest  of  thy  accustomed  duties  to  be  at 
all  neglected. 

Rather  do  thou  cheerfully  perform  what  lieth  in 
thee,  according  to  the  best  of  thy  power  and  under- 
standing ;  and  do  not  wholly  neglect  thyself  because 
of  the  dryness  or  anxiety  of  mind  which  thou  feelest. 

2.  For  there  are  many  who,  when  things  succeed 
not  well  with  them,  presently  become  impatient  or 
slothful. 

For  the  way  of  man  is  not  always  in  his  power,^  but 
it  belongeth  unto  God  to  give,  and  to  comfort,  when 
he  will,  and  how  much  he  will,  and  whom  he  will ; 
as  it  shall  please  him,  and  no  more. 

Some  unadvised  persons,  by  reason  of  their  over- 
earnest  desire  of  the  grace  of  a  devoted  life,  have 
overthrown  themselves  ;  because  they  attempted  more 
than  they  were  able  to  perform,  not  weighing  the 
measure  of  their  own  weakness,  but  following  the 
desire  of  their  heart  rather  than  the  judgment  of  their 
reason. 

And  because  they  dwelt  on  greater  matters  than 
was  pleasing  to  God,  they  therefore  quickly  lost  his 
grace. 

They  who  had  built  themselves  nests  ^  in  heaven 
were  made  helpless  and  vile  outcasts ;  to  the  end  that 
being  humbled  and  impoverished,  they  might  learn 
not  to  fly  with  their  own  wings,  but  to  trust  under  my 
feathers. 


*  Jer,  X.  23;  Rom.  ix.  16. 


*  Isaiah  xiv.  13. 


120      m  (^xm  timxiM  fea  i^umUits. 


They  that  are  yet  but  novices  and  inexperienced  in 
the  way  of  the  Lord,  unless  tjiey  govern  themselves 
by  the  counsel  of  discreet  persons,  may  easily  be 
deceived  and  broken  to  pieces. 

3.  And  if  they  will  rather  follow  their  own  notions 
than  trust  to  others  who  are  more  experienced,  theii 
end  will  be  dangerous,  at  least  if  they  are  unwilling  to 
be  drawn  away  from  their  own  conceit. 

It  is  seldom  the  case  that  they  who  are  wise  in 
their  own  conceit  endure  humbly  to  be  governed  by 
others. 

Better  is  it  to  have  a  small  portion  of  good  sense, 
with  humility^  and  a  slender  understanding,  than 
great  treasures  of  science  with  vain  self-complacency. 

Better  it  is  for  thee  to  have  little,  than  much  of  that 
which  may  make  thee  proud. 

He  acts  not  very  discreetly,  who  wholly  gives  him- 
self over  to  joy,  forgetting  his  former  helplessness, 
and  that  chastened  fear  of  the  Lord,  which  is  afraid  of 
losing  the  grace  which  hath  been  offered. 

Nor  again  is  he  very  valiantly  wise  who,  in  time  of 
adversity  or  any  heaviness,  at  once  yields  too  much 
to  despairing  thoughts,  and  reflects  and  thinks  of  me 
less  trustfully  than  he  ought. 

4.  He  who  in  time  of  peace  is  willing  to  be  over 
secure  2  shall  be  often  found  in  time  of  war  too  much 
dejected  and  full  of  fears. 

If  thou  couldest  always  continue  humble  and  mod- 
erate within  thyself,  and  also  couldest  thoroughly 
moderate  and  govern  thy  spirit,  thou  wouldst  not  so 
quickly  fall  into  danger  and  offence. 


'  Psalm  xvi.  2 ;  xvi.  la 


«  I  Thess.  V.  d 


(^{  n  ^tm  &>oumt  0f  (^nx^vt^.  121 


It  is  good  counsel,  that  when  fervor  of  spirit  is 
kindled  within  thee,  thou  shouldst  consider  how  it 
will  be,  when  that  light  shall  leave  thee. 

And  when  this  happeneth,  then  remember  that  the 
light  may  return  again,  which,  as  a  warning  to  thyself, 
and  for  mine  own  glory,  I  have  withdrawn  for  a 
time.^ 

5.  Such  trials  are  oftentimes  more  profitable,  than 
if  thou  shouldst  always  have  things  prosper  according 
to  thy  will. 

For  a  man's  worthiness  is  not  to  be  estimated  by 
the  number  of  visions  and  comforts  which  he  may 
have,  or  by  his  skill  in  the  Scriptures,  or  by  his  being 
placed  in  high  station. 

But  if  he  be  grounded  in  true  humility,  and  full  of 
divine  charity ;  if  he  be  always  purely  and  sincerely 
seeking  God's  honor ;  if  he  think  nothing  of  and  un- 
feignedly  despise  himself,^  and  even  rejoice  more  to 
be  despised  and  made  low  by  others,  than  to  be  hon- 
ored by  them. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Of  a  Mean  Conceit  of  Ourselves  in  the  Sight 
of  God. 

CHALL  I  speak  unto  my  Lord,  who  am  but  dust  and 
^  ashes  .f*^  If  I  esteem  myself  to  be  anything  more, 
behold,  Thou  standest  against  me,  and  my  iniquities 
bear  true  witness,  and  I  cannot  contradict  it. 


'  Job  vii.      *  Psalm  Ixxxiv.  lo.      ^  Gen.  xviii.  27. 


122        n  Pan  (fionuxt  tff  (&nmlvt». 


But  if  I  abase  myself,  and  reduce  myself  to  nothing, 
and  shrink  from  all  self-esteem,  and  grind  myself  to 
the  dust  I  am,  thy  grace  will  be  favorable  to  me,  and 
thy  light  near  unto  my  heart ;  and  all  self-esteem,  how 
little  soever,  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  the  valley  of 
my  nothingness,  and  perish  forever. 

There  thou  showest  thyself  unto  me,  what  I  am, 
what  I  have  been,  and  whither  I  am  come ;  for  I  am 
nothing,  and  I  knew  it  not. 

If  I  be  left  to  myself,  behold,  I  become  nothing  but 
mere  weakness ;  but  if  thou  for  an  instant  look  upon 
me,  I  am  forthwith  made  strong,  and  am  filled  with 
new  joy. 

And  a  great  marvel  it  is,  that  I  am  so  suddenly 
lifted  up,  and  so  graciously  embraced  by  thee,  who  of 
mine  own  weight  am  always  sinking  downward. 

2.  Thy  love  is  the  cause  hereof,  freely  preventing 
me,  and  relieving  me  in  so  many  necessities,  guarding 
me  also  from  pressing  dangers,  and  snatching  me  (as 
I  may  truly  say)  from  evils  out  of  number. 

For  indeed  by  loving  myself  amiss,  I  lost  myself ;  ^ 
and  by  seeking  thee  alone,  and  purely  loving  thee,  I 
have  found  both  myself  and  thee,  and  by  that  love 
have  more  deeply  reduced  myself  to  nothing. 

Because  thou,  O  dearest  Lord,  dealest  with  me 
above  all  desert,  and  above  all  that  I  dare  hope  or 
ask. 

3.  Blessed  be  thou,  my  God:  for  although  I  be 
unworthy  of  any  benefits,  yet  thy  royal  bounty  and 
infinite  goodness  never  cease  to  do  good  even  to  the 


'  John  xii.  25. 


ungrateful,^  and  to  those  who  are  turned  away  far 
from  thee. 

Turn  thou  us  unto  thee,  that  we  may  be  thankful, 
humble,  and  devout ;  for  thou  art  our  salvation,  our 
courage,  and  our  strength. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

T^af  all  Things  are  to  be  referred  unto  God, 
as  their  last  End, 

IVTY  son,  I  ought  to  be  thy  supreme  and  ultimate 
end,  if  thou  desire  to  be  truly  blessed. 

By  this  intention  thy  affections  will  be  purified, 
which  are  too  often  inordinately  inclined  to  selfishness 
and  unto  creatures. 

For  if  in  anything  thou  seekest  thyself,  immediately 
thou  faintest  and  driest  up. 

I  would  therefore  thou  shouldst  refer  all  things 
principally  unto  me,  for  I  am  He  who  have  given  all 

Consider  everything  as  flowing  from  the  Highest 
Good;  and  therefore  unto  me  as  their  original  all 
must  be  brought  back. 

2.  From  me,  as  from  a  living  fountain,  the  small 
and  the  great,  the  poor  and  the  rich,  do  draw  the 
water  of  life;^  and  they  that  willingly  and  freely  serve 
me  shall  receive  grace  for  grace. 

But  he  who  desires  to  glory  in  things  out  of  me,* 
or  to  take  pleasure  in  some  private  good,  shall  not  be 
grounded  in  true  joy,  nor  be  enlarged  in  his  heart, 
but  shall  many  ways  be  encumbered  and  straitened. 


*  Matt.  V.  45,     ^  Ecclus.  i.  5.    ^  John  iv.  14.    *  i  Cor.  i.  29. 


124       iUt  ^^mttnm  of  ^mm. 


Thou  oughtest  therefore  to  ascribe  nothing  of  good 
to  thyself,  nor  do  thou  attribute  goodness  unto  any 
man ;  but  give  all  unto  God,  without  whom  man  hath 
nothing. 

I  have  given  thee  all,i  and  my  will  is  to  have  thee 
all  again;  and  with  great  strictness  do  I  exact  from 
thee  a  return  of  thanks. 

3.  This  is  the  truth  whereby  vain-glory  is  put  to 
flight. 

And  if  heavenly  grace  enter  in  and  true  charity, 
there  will  be  no  envy  nor  narrowness  of  heart,  neither 
will  self-love  busy  itself. 

For  divine  charity  overcometh  all  things,  and  en- 
largeth  all  the  powers  of  the  soul. 

If  thou  rightly  judge,  thou  wilt  rejoice  in  me  alone, 
in  me  alone  thou  wilt  hope ;  for  none  is  good  save 
God  alone,^  who  is  to  be  praised  above  all  things,  and 
in  all  to  be  blessed. 

CHAPTER  X. 

T/^af  to  despise  the  World  and  serve  God,  t's  sweet, 

MOW  I  will  speak  again,  O  Lord,  and  will  not  be 
silent;  I  will  say  in  the  ears  of  my  God,  my  Lord, 
and  my  King,  who  is  on  high :  "  O  how  great  is  the 
abundance  of  thy  goodness,  O  Lord,  which  thou  hast 
laid  up  for  them  that  fear  thee."^ 

But  what  art  thou  to  those  who  love  thee  1  what  to 
those  who  serve  thee  with  their  whole  heart } 


*  I  Cor.  iv.  6.  '^Matt.  xix.  17;  Luke  xviii.  12. 

^PsalmxxXi  19. 


m  tb^  ^mttnm  t^t  (BtsOC^  ^mm.  125 


Truly  unspeakable  is  the  sweetness  of  contem- 
plating thee,  which  thou  bestowest  on  them  that  love 
thee. 

In  this  especially  thou  hast  showed  me  the  sweet- 
ness of  thy  love :  that  when  I  was  not,  thou  madest 
me  ;  when  I  went  far  astray  from  thee,  thou  brought- 
est  me  back  again,  that  I  might  serve  thee ;  and  that 
thou  hast  commanded  me  to  love  thee.^ 

2.  O  fountain  of  love  unceasing,  what  shall  I  say 
concerning  thee  ? 

How  can  I  forget  thee,  who  hast  vouchsafed  to 
remember  me,  even  after  I  had  wasted  away  and 
perished  ? 

Thou  hast  showed  mercy  to  thy  servant  beyond  all 
expectation :  and  hast  exhibited  favor  and  loving- 
kindness  beyond  all  desert. 

What  return  shall  I  make  to  thee  for  this  grace 
For  it  is  not  granted  to  all  to  forsake  all,  to  renounce 
the  world,  and  to  undertake  a  life  of  religious  re- 
tirement. 

Is  it  any  great  thing  that  I  should  serve  thee,^ 
whom  the  whole  creation  is  bound  to  serve  ? 

It  ought  not  to  seem  much  to  me,  to  serve  thee : 
but  rather  this  doth  appear  much  to  me,  and  wonder- 
ful ;  that  thou  vouchsafest  to  receive  into  thy  service 
one  so  poor  and  unworthy,  and  to  make  him  one  with 
thy  beloved  servants. 

3.  Behold,  all  things  are  thine  which  I  have,  and 
whereby  I  serve  thee.^ 


'  Gen.  i.  27  ;  Psalm  cxix.  73;  Matt  xv. 
^  Psalm  cxvi.  i. 


3  Judges  xvi.  15. 
*  I  Cor.  iv.  7. 


And  yet  contrariwise,  thou  rather  servest  me  than 
I  thee. 

Behold,  heaven  and  earth  which  Thou  hast  created 
for  the  service  of  man,  are  ready  at  hand,  and  do 
daily  perform  whatever  thou  hast  commanded. 

And  this  is  little :  Thou  hast  moreover  also  ap- 
pointed angels  to  minister  to  man.^ 

But  that  which  excelleth  all  is  this,  that  thou  thy- 
self hast  vouchsafed  to  serve  man,  and  hast  promised 
that  thou  wouldst  give  thyself  unto  him. 

4.  What  shall  I  give  thee  for  all  these  thousands 
of  benefits  ?  I  would  I  could  serve  thee  all  the  days 
of  my  life. 

I  would  I  were  able,  at  least  for  one  day,  to  do 
thee  some  worthy  service. 

Truly  thou  art  worthy  of  all  service,  of  all  honor, 
and  everlasting  praise. 

Truly  thou  art  my  Lord,  and  I  thy  poor  servant, 
who  am  bound  to  serve  thee  with  all  my  might,  nei- 
ther ought  I  ever  to  be  weary  of  praising  thee. 

And  this  I  wish  to  do,  this  I  desire  :  and  whatso- 
ever is  wanting  unto  me,  do  thou,  I  beseech  thee, 
vouchsafe  to  supply. 

5.  It  is  a  great  honor,  and  a  great  glory,  to  serve 
thee,  and  to  despise  all  things  for  thee. 

For  great  grace  shall  be  given  to  those  who  shall 
have  willingly  subjected  themselves  to  thy  most  holy 
service. 

They  who  for  thy  love  shall  have  renounced  all 
carnal  delights,  shall  find  the  sweetest  consolations 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.2 


*  Psalm  xci.  1 1 ;  Heb.  i.  14. 


*  Matt.  xix.  29. 


They  shall  attain  great  freedom  of  mind,  who  for 
thy  Name's  sake  enter  into  the  narrow  way,^  and 
have  left  off  all  worldly  care. 

6.  O  sweet  and  delightful  service  of  God,^  by 
which  a  man  is  made  truly  free  and  holy  ! 

O  sacred  state  of  religious  service,  which  makes  a 
man  equal  to  the  angels,  pleasing  to  God,  terrible  to 
devils,  and  worthy  to  be  commended  of  all  the 
faithful ! 

O  welcome  service  and  ever  to  be  desired,  in  which 
we  are  rewarded  with  the  Greatest  Good,  and  attain 
to  joy  which  shall  endlessly  remain  with  us  ! 

CHAPTER  XI. 

T/ia^  the  Longings  and  Desires  of  our  Hearts  are  to 
be  exainined  and  moderated, 

MY  son,  thou  must  still  learn  many  things,  which 
thou  hast  not  yet  well  learned. 

What  are  these,  O  Lord  ? 

That  thou  frame  thy  desires^  wholly  according  to 
my  good  pleasure ;  and  that  thou  be  not  a  lover  of 
thyself,  but  an  earnest  follower  of  my  will. 

Various  longings  and  desires  oftentimes  inflame 
thee,  and  drive  thee  forwards  with  vehemence  :  but 
do  thou  consider  whether  thou  be  not  moved  rather 
for  thine  own  advantage,  than  for  my  honor. 

*Matt.  vii.  14.  3  Psalm  cviii.  i ;  Matt.  vi.  10. 

^Matt.  xi.  30}  I  John  v.  3. 


128  m  pMmtiwg  tUt  §t^xxt$  of  mt  "^mt^. 


If  I  be  the  cause,  thou  wilt  be  well  content,  howso- 
ever I  shall  ordain ;  but  if  there  lurk  in  thee  any  self- 
seeking,^  behold,  this  it  is  that  hindereth  thee  and 
weigheth  thee  down. 

2.  Beware  therefore  thou  lean  not  too  much  upon 
any  desire,  conceived  without  asking  my  counsel,  lest 
perhaps  afterwards  it  repent  thee,  or  thou  be  displeased 
with  that  which  at  first  pleased  thee,  and  which  thou 
desiredst  earnestly,  as  the  best. 

For  not  every  affection  which  seems  good  is  imme- 
diately to  be  followed ;  nor  on  the  other  hand  is  every 
contrary  affection  at  the  first  to  be  avoided. 

It  is  sometimes  expedient  to  use  a  restraint  even 
in  good  desires  and  endeavors,  lest  through  unsea- 
sonable effort  thou  incur  distraction  of  mind;  lest  by 
thy  want  of  self-government  thou  beget  a  scandal 
unto  others ;  or  again,  being  by  others  thwarted  and 
resisted,  thou  become  suddenly  confounded,  and  so 
fall. 

3.  Sometimes  however  thou  must  use  violence,^ 
and  resist  manfully  thine  appetite,  not  regarding  what 
the  flesh  would  or  would  not;^  but  rather  taking 
pains  that  even  perforce  it  may  be  made  subject  to 
the  Spirit.4 

And  so  long  ought  it  to  be  chastened  and  to  be 
forced  to  remain  under  servitude,  until  it  be  prepared 
for  everything,  and  learn  to  be  content  with  a  little, 
and  to  be  pleased  with  plain  and  simple  things,  and 
not  to  murmur  against  any  inconvenience. 

'  Phil.  ii.  21.         3  Rom.  viii.  1-13;  2  Cor.  iv.  105  x.  3. 
^PhiLii.  II.         *iCor.  ix.  27. 


(^t  Striving  jxtiixiwt  d^^nmpxmntt.  129 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Of  the  Growth  of  Patience  in  the  Soul,  and  of 
Striving  against  Concupiscence, 

OLORD  my  God,  patience  is  very  necessary  for 
me,^  for  I  perceive  that  many  things  in  this  life  do 
fall  out  as  we  would  not. 

For  whatsoever  plans  I  shall  devise  for  my  own 
peace,  my  life  cannot  be  without  war  and  affliction.^ 

It  is  so,  my  son.  But  my  will  is,  that  thou  seek 
not  that  peace  which  is  void  of  temptations,  or 
which  suffereth  nothing  contrary:  but  rather  think 
that  thou  hast  found  peace,  when  thou  art  exercised 
with  sundry  tribulations,^  and  tried  in  many  adversi- 
ties. 

2.  If  thou  say,  that  thou  art  not  able  to  suffer 
much,  how  then  wilt  thou  endure  the  fire  hereafter.^ 

Of  two  evils  the  less  is  always  to  be  chosen.  That 
thou  mayest  therefore  avoid  the  everlasting  punish- 
ment that  is  to  come,  endeavor  to  endure  present 
evils  patiently,  for  God's  sake. 

Dost  thou  think  that  the  men  of  this  world  suffer 
nothing  or  but  as  little  ?  Ask  even  of  those  who  live 
most  at  ease,  and  thou  shalt  find  it  otherwise. 

But  thou  wilt  say,  they  have  many  delights,  and 
*bllow  their  own  wills,  and  therefore  they  do  not 
-nuch  weigh  their  own  afflictions. 


» Heb.  X.  360 


^Job  viio  I. 


^  James  i.  ?, 


130    (^f  ^txivins  H^xwt  (ii^ntupxmtntt. 


Be  it  so,  that  they  have  whatsoever  they  will ;  but 
how  long  dost  thou  think  that  it  will  last? 

3.  Behold,  the  wealthy  of  this  world  shall  consume 
away  like  smoke,i  and  there  shall  be  no  memory  of 
their  past  joys ! 

Yea,  even  while  they  are  yet  alive,  they  do  not  rest 
in  them  without  bitterness,  and  weariness,  and  fear. 

For  from  the  self-same  thing  in  which  they  delight 
they  oftentimes  receive  the  penalty  of  sorrow. 

And  it  is  but  just  that  having  inordinately  sought 
and  followed  after  pleasures,  they  should  enjoy  them 
not  without  shame  and  bitterness. 

4.  O  how  brief,  how  false,  how  inordinate  and 
base,  are  all  those  pleasures. 

Yet  so  drunken  and  blind  are  men,  that  they  un- 
derstand it  not ;  but  like  dumb  beasts,  for  the  poor 
enjoyment  of  a  corruptible  life,  they  incur  the  death 
of  the  soul. 

Thou  therefore,  my  son,  "  go  not  after  thy  lusts,  but 
refrain  thyself  from  thine  appetites."  2  "  Delight  thy- 
self in  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  give  thee  the  desires 
of  thine  heart."  ^ 

5.  For  if  thou  desire  true  delight,  and  to  be  more 
plentifully  comforted  by  me ;  behold,  in  the  contempt 
of  all  worldly  things,  and  in  the  cutting  off  all  base 
delights,  shall  be  thy  blessing,  and  abundant  comfort 
shall  be  given  thee. 

And  the  more  thou  withdraw  thyself  from  all  solace 
of  creatures,  so  much  the  sweeter  and  more  powerful 
consolations  shalt  thou  find  in  me. 


^  Psaim  Ixviii.  2.     *  EccluSc  xviii.  30.     ^  Psalm  xxxvii.  4. 


(^f  i^umtrU  (^Mxmt.  131 


But  at  the  first,  thou  shalt  not  without  some  sad- 
ness, nor  without  a  laborious  conflict,  attain  unto 
them. 

Old  inbred  habit  will,  for  a  time,  resist,  but  by  a 
better  way  it  shall  be  entirely  overcome. 

The  flesh  will  murmur  against  thee ;  but  with  fer- 
vency of  spirit  thou  shalt  bridle  it. 

The  old  servant  will  tempt  and  trouble  thee,  but 
by  prayer  he  shall  be  put  to  flight.  Moreover  also, 
by  useful  work  thou  shalt  greatly  stop  the  way 
against  him. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Of  Humble  Obedience  after  the  Example  of 
Jesus  Christ, 

lyi'Y  son,  he  that  endeavoreth  to  withdraw  himself 
-'-'l  from  obedience,  withdraweth  himself  from 
grace  :  and  he  who  seeketh  for  himself  private  bene- 
fits,^ loseth  those  which  are  common. 

He  that  doth  not  cheerfully  and  freely  submit  him- 
self to  his  superior,  showeth  that  his  flesh  is  not  as 
yet  perfectly  brought  into  subjection,  but  oftentimes 
struggleth  and  murmureth  against  thee. 

Learn  thou  therefore  quickly  to  submit  thyself  to 
thy  superior,  if  thou  desire  to  keep  thine  own  flesh 
under  the  yoke. 

For  more  speedily  is  the  outward  enemy  overcome, 
if  the  inward  man  be  not  in  disorder. 


*  Matt.  xvi.  24. 


132  m  "gmW  (^htAuntt. 


There  is  no  worse  enemy,  nor  one  more  trouble- 
some to  the  soul,  than  thou  art  unto  thyself,  if  thou 
be  not  in  harmony  with  the  Spirit. 

It  is  altogether  necessary  that  thou  conceive  a  true 
contempt  for  thyself,  if  thou  desire  to  prevail  against 
flesh  and  blood. 

2.  Because  thou  still  lovest  thyself  inordinately, 
thou  art  afraid  to  resign  thyself  wholly  to  the  will  of 
others. 

And  yet,  what  great  matter  is  it,^  if  thou,  who  art 
but  dust  and  nothing,  subject  thyself  to  a  man  for 
God's  sake,  when  I,  the  Almighty  and  the  Most 
Highest,  who  created  all  things  of  nothing,  humbly 
subjected  myself  to  man  for  thy  sake  ? 

I  became  of  all  men  the  most  humble  and  the  most 
abject,  that  thou  mightest  overcome  thy  pride  with 
my  humility. 

O  dust,  learn  to  be  obedient.  Learn  to  humble 
thyself,  thou  earth  and  clay,  and  to  bow  thyself  down 
under  the  feet  of  all  men. 

Learn  to  break  thine  own  will,  and  to  yield  thyself 
to  all  subjection. 

3.  Be  zealous  against  thyself,  and  suffer  no  pride 
to  dwell  in  thee :  but  show  thyself  so  humble  and  so 
lowly,  that  all  may  be  able  to  walk  over  thee,  and  to 
tread  thee  down  as  the  mire  of  the  streets.  Vain 
man,  what  hast  thou  to  complain  of? 

What  canst  thou  answer,  vile  sinner,  to  them  that 
upbraid  thee,  thou  who  hast  so  often  offended  God, 
and  hast  so  many  times  deserved  hell  ? 

But  mine  eye  spared  thee,  because  thy  soul  was 


'  Luke  ii.  7 ;  John  xiii.  14. 


133 


precious  in  my  sight ;  that  thou  mightest  know  my 
love,  and  ever  be  thankful  for  my  benefits  ; 

Also  that  thou  mightest  continually  give  thyself  to 
true  subjection  and  humility,  and  endure  patiently  to 
be  despised. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Of  considering  the  Secret  Judg7nents  of  God,  that  so 
we  be  not  lifted  up  for  anything  good  in  us. 

'PHOU,  O  Lord,  thunderest  forth  thy  judgments 
over  me,  thou  shakest  all  my  bones  with  fear  and 
trembling,  and  my  soul  is  very  sore  afraid. 

I  stand  astonished;  and  I  consider  "That  the 
heavens  are  not  pure  in  thy  sight."  ^ 

If  in  angels  thou  didst  find  wickedness,^  and  didst 
not  spare  even  them,  what  shall  become  of  me  ? 

Even  stars  fell  from  heaven,^  what  then  can  I  pre- 
sume who  am  but  dust  ? 

They  whose  work  seemed  commendable,  have  fallen 
into  the  lowest  misery ;  and  those  who  did  eat  the 
bread  of  angels,*  I  have  seen  delighting  themselves 
with  the  husks  of  swine. 

2.  There  is  therefore  no  holiness,  if  thou,  O  Lord, 
withdraw  thine  hand. 

No  wisdom  availeth,  if  thou  cease  to  guide. 

No  courage  helpeth,  if  thou  leave  off  to  defend. 

No  chastity  is  secure,  if  thou  do  not  protect  it. 

No  vigilance  of  our  own  availeth,  if  thy  sacred 
watchfulness  be  not  present  with  us. 


*  Job  XV.  15.  *  Job  iv.  18.  3  Rev.  viii.  10.     Psalm  Ixxviii.  25. 


134       m  Mf'^^mmnt 


For,  if  we  be  left  of  thee,  we  sink  and  perish ;  but 
being  visited  of  thee,  we  are  raised  up  and  live. 

Truly  we  are  inconstant,  but  by  thee  we  are  estab- 
lished: we  wax  lukewarm,  but  by  thee  we  are  in- 
flamed. 

3.  O  how  humbly  and  meanly  ought  I  to  think  of 
myself!  how  ought  I  to  esteem  it  as  nothing,  if  I 
seem  to  have  any  good  in  me  ! 

With  what  profound  humility  ought  I  to  submit 
myself  to  thine  unfathomable  judgments,  O  Lord ; 
where  I  find  myself  to  be  nothing  else  than  nothing, 
and  very  nothing ! 

O  weight  that  cannot  be  measured !  O  sea  that 
cannot  be  passed  over,  where  I  discover  nothing  of 
myself  save  only  and  wholly  nothing  ! 

Where  then  can  glorying  hide  itself  ?  where  can  be 
trust  in  mine  own  virtue  ? 

All  vain-glorying  is  swallowed  up  in  the  deep  of  thy 
judgments  over  me. 

4.  What  is  all  flesh  in  thy  sight  ? 

Shall  the  clay  boast  against  Him  that  formed  it  ? 

How  can  he  be  lifted  up  with  vain  words,  whose 
Seart  is  truly  subject  to  God  ?  ^ 

Not  all  the  world  will  make  him  proud,  whom  the 
Truth  hath  subjected  unto  itself:  neither  shall  he, 
who  hath  firmly  settled  his  whole  hope  in  God,  be 
moved  by  the  tongues  of  all  his  flatterers. 

For  even  they  themselves  who  speak,  behold,  they 
all  are  nothing,  for  they  will  pass  away  with  the 
sound  of  their  words ;  but  the  truth  of  the  Lord  re- 
raaineth  forever.^ 


*'lsaiah  xxix.  16;  Ecclus.  xxiii.  4,  5.     ^  Psalm  cxvii,  2. 


(^f  (Bntxtt  Il^^i0tt^ti0tt*  135 


CHAPTER  XV. 

/n  Everything  which  we  desire ^  how  we  ought  to 
feel^  and  what  we  ought  to  say, 

jVyTY  son,  say  thou  thus  in  everything:    Lord,  if  this 
be  pleasing  unto  thee,  so  let  it  be.^ 
"  Lord,  if  it  be  to  thy  honor,  in  thy  Name  let  this  be 
done. 

"  Lord,  if  thou  see  it  to  be  expedient,  and  know  it 
to  be  profitable  for  me,  then  grant  unto  me  that  I  may 
use  this  to  thine  honor. 

"  But  if  thou  know  it  will  be  hurtful  unto  me,  and 
no  profit  to  the  health  of  my  soul,  take  away  the  de- 
sire from  me." 

For  not  every  desire  proceedeth  from  the  Holy 
Spirit,  even  though  it  seem  unto  a  man  right  and 
good. 

It  is  difficult  to  judge  truly  whether  a  good  spirit 
or  the  contrary  be  urging  thee  to  desire  this  or  that; 
or  whether  by  thine  own  spirit  thou  be  moved  there- 
unto. 

Many  have  been  deceived  in  the  end,  who  at  the 
first  seemed  to  be  led  by  a  good  spirit. 

2.  Therefore  whatsoever  seemeth  to  be  desirable, 
must  always  be  desired  and  prayed  for  in  the  fear  of 
God  and  with  humility  of  heart;  and  chiefly  thou 
must  commit  the  whole  matter  to  me  with  special 
resignation  of  thyself,  and  thou  must  say, 


'  James  iii. 


136  m  mUxt  ^^^tflimtiott* 


"  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  what  is  best  for  us,  let  this 
or  that  be  done,  as  thou  pleasest. 

"  Give  what  thou  wilt,  and  how  much  thou  wilt,  and 
when  thou  wilt. 

"  Deal  with  me  as  thou  thinkest  good,  and  as  best 
pleaseth  thee,  and  is  most  for  thy  honor. 

"  Set  me  where  thou  wilt,  and  deal  with  me  in  all 
things  just  as  thou  wilt. 

"  I  am  in  thy  hand :  turn  me  round,  and  turn  me 
back  again,  as  thou  shalt  please. 

"  Behold,  I  am  thy  servant,  prepared  for  all  things ; 
for  I  desire  not  to  live  unto  myself,  but  unto  thee ; 
and  O  that  I  could  do  it  worthily  and  perfectly  1 " 

A  Prayer  that  the  will  of  God  77iay  be  fulfilled, 

3.  O  MOST  merciful  Jesus,  grant  to  me  thy  grace, 
that  it  may  be  with  me,  and  work  with  me,^  and  con- 
tinue with  me  even  to  the  end. 

Grant  that  I  may  always  desire  and  will  that  which 
is  to  thee  most  acceptable,  and  most  dear. 

Let  thy  will  be  mine,  and  let  my  will  ever  follow 
thine,  and  agree  perfectly  with  it. 

Let  my  will  be  all  one  with  thine,  and  let  me  not  be 
able  to  will,  or  anything  to  forego,  but  what  thou  will- 
•est  or  dost  not  will. 

4.  Grant  that  I  may  die  to  all  things  that  are  in 
the  world,  and  for  thy  sake  may  love  to  be  con- 
temned, and  not  be  known  in  this  generation. 

Grant  to  me  above  all  things  that  I  can  desire,  to 
desire  to  rest  in  thee,  and  in  thee  to  have  my  heart  at 
peace. 


*  Wisd.  ix.  10. 


137 


Thou  art  the  true  peace  of  the  heart:  thou  art  its 
only  rest;  out  of  thee  all  things  are  full  of  trouble 
and  unrest.    In  this  peace,  that  is,  in  thee,  the  one. 
chiefest  eternal  Good,  I  will  lay  me  down  and  sleepj 
Amen. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

That  True  Comfort  is  to  be  sought  in  God  alone. 

117HATS0EVER  I  can  desire  or  imagine  for  my 
' '   comfort,  I  look  for  it  not  here  but  hereafter. 

For  if  I  alone  should  possess  all  the  comforts  of 
the  world,  and  might  enjoy  all  the  delights  thereof,^ 
it  is  certain  that  they  could  not  long  endure. 

Wherefore,  O  my  soul,  thou  canst  not  be  fully 
comforted,^  nor  have  perfect  refreshment,  except  in 
God,  the  comforter  of  the  poor,  and  the  helper  of 
the  humble. 

Wait  a  little  while,  O  my  soul,  wait  for  the  divine 
promise,  and  thou  shalt  have  abundance  of  all  good 
things  in  heaven. 

If  thou  desire  beyond  measure  the  things  that  are 
present,  thou  shalt  lose  those  which  are  heavenly 
and  eternal. 

Use  temporal  things,  and  desire  eternal. 

Thou  canst  not  be  satisfied  by  any  temporal  goods, 
because  thou  art  not  created  to  enjoy  them. 

2.  Although  thou  shouldst  possess  all  created 
good,  yet  couldst  thou  not  be  happy  thereby  nor 


*  Psalm  iv.  8.      ^Matt.  xvi.  26.      ^  Psalm  Ixxvii.  i.  2. 


138     (^{  xt^txtifi      mx  (Snxi^  m  (^oL 


blessed;  but  in  God,  who  created  all  things,  con" 
sisteth  thy  whole  blessedness  and  felicity.^ 

Not  such  happiness  as  is  seen  and  commended  by 
the  foolish  lovers  of  the  world,  but  such  as  the  good 
and  faithful  servants  of  Christ  wait  for,  and  of  which 
the  spiritual  and  pure  in  heart,  whose  conversation 
is  in  heaven,^  sometimes  have  a  foretaste. 

Vain  and  brief  is  all  human  consolation. 

Blessed  and  true  is  the  consolation  which  is  re- 
ceived inwardly  from  the  truth. 

A  devout  man  beareth  everywhere  about  with  him 
his  own  comforter  Jesus,  and  saith  unto  Him,  "  Be 
Thou  present  with  me,  O  Lord  Jesu,  in  every  time 
and  place. 

"  Let  this  be  my  comfort,  to  be  willing  to  lack  all 
human  comfort. 

*'  And  if  thy  comfort  be  wanting,  let  thy  will  and 
just  proving  of  me  be  unto  me  as  the  greatest  com- 
fort; for  thou  wilt  not  always  be  angry,  neither  wilt 
thou  chide  for  ever."^ 

CHAPTER  XVIL 

T/taf  all  our  Anxieties  are  to  be  rested  on  God, 

lyT Y  son,  suffer  me  to  do  with  thee  what  I  please. 
'^^  I  know  what  is  expedient  for  thee. 

Thou  thinkest  as  man ;  thou  judgest  in  many  things 
\s  human  affection  persuadeth  thee. 

O  Lord,  what  thou  sayest  is  true.     Thy  care  for 


*  Wisd.  ii.  23.       *  Phil.  iii.  20.       ^  Psalm  ciii.  9. 


(^f  testing  M  onx        0n  (&oA.  139 


me  is  greater^  than  all  the  care  that  I  can  take  for 
myself. 

For  he  standeth  but  very  unsafely,  who  casteth  not 
all  his  care  upon  thee. 

O  Lord,  if  only  my  will  may  remain  right  and 
firm  towards  thee,  do  with  me  whatsoever  it  shall 
please  thee. 

For  it  cannot  be  anything  but  good,  whatsoever 
vhou  shalt  do  with  me. 

2.  If  it  be  thy  will  that  I  should  be  in  darkness, 
be  thou  blessed  ;  and  if  it  be  thy  will  that  I  should  be 
in  light,  be  thou  again  blessed.  If  thou  vouchsafe  to 
comfort  me,  be  thou  blessed ;  and  if  thou  wilt  have 
me  afflicted,  be  thou  blessed  also. 

My  son,  such  as  this  ought  to  be  thy  state,  if  thou 
desire  to  walk  with  me. 

Thou  oughtest  to  be  as  ready  to  suffer  as  to  rejoice. 

Thou  oughtest  as  cheerfully  to  be  destitute  and 
poor,  as  to  be  full  and  rich. 

3.  O  Lord,  for  thy  sake,  I  will  cheerfully  suffer^ 
whatsoever  shall  come  on  me  with  thy  permission. 

From  thy  hand  I  am  willing  to  receive  indifferently 
good  and  evil,  sweet  and  bitter,  joy  and  sorrow;  and 
for  all  that  befalleth  me  I  will  be  thankful. 

Keep  me  safe  from  all  sin,  and  I  shall  fear  neither 
death  3  nor  hell. 

So  thou  do  not  cast  me  from  thee  for  ever,  nor 
blot  me  out  of  the  book  of  life,  what  tribulation 
soever  befalleth  me  shall  not  hurt  me. 


^  Matt.  vi.  30;  John  vi.     ^  Job  ii.  lo.    ^  Psalm  xxiii.  4. 


140  m  gntxmt  ntUt  (Ktitii^f  s  (^xmpU. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

T^a^  Temporal  Sufferings  must  be  borne  patiently^ 
after  the  Example  of  Christ, 

"\TY  son,  I  descended  from  heaven^  for  thy  salva* 
tion;  I  took  upon  me  thy  sorrows,^  not  neces- 
sity but  love  drawing  me  thereto;  that  thou  thysell 
mightest  learn  patience,  and  bear  temporal  sufferings 
without  repining. 

For  from  the  hour  of  my  birth,3  even  until  my  death 
on  the  cross,  I  was  not  without  suffering  of  grief. 

I  suffered  great  want  of  things  temporal;  I  often 
heard  many  murmurings  against  me;  I  endured  pa- 
tiently disgraces  and  revilings ;  in  return  for  benefits 
I  received  ingratitude ;  for  miracles,  blasphemies ; 
for  heavenly  doctrine,  reproofs. 

2.  O  Lord,  for  that  thou  wert  patient  in  thy  life- 
time, herein  especially  fulfilling  the  commandment 
of  thy  Father;^  it  is  reason  that  I,  a  most  miserable 
sinner,  should  bear  myself  patiently  according  to  thy 
will,  and  for  my  soul's  welfare  endure  the  burden  of 
this  corruptible  life  as  long  as  thou  thyself  shalt 
choose. 

For  although  this  present  life  be  burdensome,  yet 
notwithstanding  it  is  now  by  thy  grace  made  very 
gainful ;  and,  by  thine  example  and  the  footsteps  of 
thy  saints,  more  bright  and  clear,  and  endurable  to 
the  weak. 

It  is  also  much  more  full  of  consolation  than  it 


'Johniii.  13.   *  Isaiah  liii.  4.    ^Lukeii.  7.   '♦John  v.  30. 


(^f  Wxnt  ^Mxmt  mx&tt  Wt0itos*  141 


was  formerly  under  the  old  law,  when  the  gate  of 
heaven  remained  shut;  and  the  way  also  to  heaven 
seemed  more  dark,  when  so  few  cared  to  seek  after 
the  kingdom  of  heaven.^ 

Moreover  also,  they  who  then  were  just  and  such 
as  should  be  saved,  could  not  enter  into  the  heavenly 
kingdom,  before  the  accomplishment  of  thy  Passion, 
and  the  payment  of  the  debt  of  thy  holy  death. 

3.  O  how  great  thanks  am  I  bound  to  render  unto 
thee,  that  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  show  unto  me  and 
to  all  faithful  people  the  good  and  the  right  way  to 
thine  eternal  kingdom. 

For  thy  life  is  our  way,  and  by  the  path  of  holy  pa- 
tience we  walk  toward  thee,  who  art  our  Crown. 

If  thou  hadst  not  gone  before  us  and  taught  us,  who 
would  have  cared  to  follow  ! 

Alas,  how  many  would  remain  behind  and  afar  off, 
if  they  considered  not  thy  glorious  example  ! 

Behold,  we  are  even  yet  lukewarm,  though  we  have 
heard  of  so  many  of  thy  miracles  and  doctrines.  What 
would  become  of  us,  if  we  had  not  so  great  light  ^ 
whereby  to  follow  thee ! 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Oy  the  Endurance  of  Injuries^  and  of  the  Proof  of 
True  Patience. 

117HAT  is  it  thou  sayest,  my  son  ?    Cease  to  com- 
plain,  when  thou  considerest  my  Passion,  and 
the  sufferings  of  my  other  saints. 


*  Matt.  vii.  14. 


^  John  xii,  46. 


142    m  ^xm  '^)xtxmt  mUtx  Wtm0. 


Thou  hast  not  yet  resisted  unto  blood.^ 

It  is  but  little  which  thou  sufferest,  in  comparison 
of  those  who  suffered  so  much,  who  were  so  strongly 
tempted,  so  grievously  afflicted,  so  many  ways  tried 
and  exercised.2 

Thou  oughtest  therefore  to  call  to  mind  the  more 
heavy  sufferings  of  others,  that  so  thou  mayest  the 
more  easily  bear  thine  own  very  small  troubles. 

And  if  they  seem  unto  thee  not  very  small,  then 
beware  lest  thine  impatience  be  the  cause  thereof. 

However,  whether  they  be  small  or  whether  they 
be  great,  endeavor  patiently  to  undergo  them  all. 

2.  The  better  thou  disposest  thyself  to  sufferings 
the  more  wisely  thou  doest,  and  the  greater  reward 
shalt  thou  receive.  Thou  shalt  also  more  easily  en- 
dure it,  if  both  in  mind  and  by  habit  thou  art  dili- 
gently prepared  thereunto. 

Do  not  say,  "  I  cannot  endure  to  suffer  these  things 
at  the  hands  of  such  an  one,  nor  ought  I  to  endure 
things  of  this  sort ;  for  he  hath  done  me  great  wrong, 
and  reproacheth  me  with  things  which  I  never 
thought  of;  but  of  another  I  will  willingly  suffer,, 
that  is,  if  they  are  things  which  I  shall  see  I  ought 
to  suffer.'' 

Such  a  thought  is  foolish;  it  considereth  not  the 
virtue  of  patience,  nor  by  whom  it  will  be  to  be 
crowned;  but  rather,  weigheth  too  exactly  the  per- 
sons, and  the  injuries  offered  to  itself. 

3.  He  is  not  truly  patient,  who  is  willing  to  suffer 
only  so  much  as  he  thinks  good,  and  from  whom  he 
pleases. 


*  Heb.  xii.  4. 


*  Heb.  xi.  37. 


But  the  truly  patient  man  minds  not  by  whom  he 
is  exercised,  whether  by  his  superiors,  by  one  of  his 
equals,  or  by  an  inferior;  whether  by  a  good  and  holy 
man,  or  by  one  that  is  perverse  and  unworthy. 

But  indifferently  from  every  creature,  how  much 
soever,  or  how  often  soever  anything  adverse  befall 
him,  he  takes  it  all  thankfully  as  from  the  hands  of 
God,  and  esteems  it  great  gain : 

For  with  God  it  is  impossible  that  any  thing,  how 
small  soever,  if  only  it  be  suffered  for  God's  sake, 
should  pass  without  its  reward. 

4.  Be  thou  therefore  prepared  for  the  fight,  if  thou 
wilt  win  the  victory. 

Without  a  combat  thou  canst  not  attain  unto  the 
crown  of  patience.^ 

If  thou  art  unwilling  to  suffer,  thou  refusest  to  be 
crowned.  But  if  thou  desire  to  be  crowned,  fight 
manfully,  endure  patiently. 

Without  labor  there  is  no  rest,  nor  without  fighting 
can  the  victory  be  won. 

O  Lord,  let  that  become  possible  to  me  by  thy 
grace,  which  by  nature  seems  impossible  to  me. 

Thou  knowest  that  I  am  able  to  suffer  but  little, 
and  that  I  am  quickly  cast  down,  when  a  slight  adver- 
sity ariseth. 

For  thy  Name's  sake,  let  every  exercise  of  tribula- 
tion be  made  pleasant  unto  me ;  for  to  suffer  and  to 
be  troubled  for  thy  sake,  is  very  wholesome  for  my 
soul. 


» 2  Tim.  ii.  3-5. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Oy  the  Acknowledging  of  our  own  Infirmities j  and 
of  the  Sufferings  of  this  Life, 

T  WILL  acknowledge  my  sin  unto  thee ;  ^  I  will  con- 
fess  mine  infirmity  unto  thee,  O  Lord. 
Oftentimes  a  small  matter  it  is  that  makes  me  sad 

and  dejected. 

I  resolve  to  act  with  courage,  but  when  even  a 

small  temptation  comes,  I  am  at  once  in  a  great 

strait. 

It  is  sometimes  a  very  trifle,  whence  a  great  temp- 
tation arises. 

And  whilst  I  think  myself  safe,  and  v/hen  I  least 
expect  it,  I  sometimes  find  myself  overcome  by  all 
but  a  slight  breath. 

2.  Behold  therefore,  O  Lord,  my  low  estate,^  and 
my  frailty  v/hich  is  in  every  way  known  unto  thee. 

Have  mercy  on  me,  and  deliver  me  out  of  the  mire, 
that  I  may  not  stick  fast  therein,'^  and  may  not  remain 
utterly  cast  down  for  ever. 

This  is  that  which  oftentimes  strikes  me  down,  and 
confounds  me  in  thy  sight,  that  I  am  so  subject  to 
fall,  and  so  weak  in  resisting  my  passions. 

And  although  I  do  not  altogether  consent,  yet  their 
continued  assaults  are  troublesome  and  grievous  unto 
me ;  and  it  is  very  exceedingly  irksome  to  live  thus 
daily  in  conflict. 


Psalm  xxxii.  5.       ^  Psalm  xxv.  18.       ^pgalm  Ixix.  14. 


Hereby  doth  my  weakness  become  known  unto 
me,  in  that  hateful  fancies  do  always  much  more 
easily  invade  than  forsake  me. 

3.  Most  mighty  God  of  Israel,  thou  zealous  lover 
of  faithful  souls !  O  that  thou  wouldst  consider  the 
labor  and  sorrow  of  thy  servant,  and  assist  him  in  all 
things  whatsoever  he  undertaketh. 

Strengthen  me  with  heavenly  courage,  lest  the  old 
man,  the  miserable  flesh,  not  as  yet  fully  subject  to 
the  spirit,  prevail  and  get  the  upper  hand.  Against 
this  it  will  be  needful  for  me  to  fight,  as  long  as  I 
breathe  in  this  miserable  life. 

Alas,  what  a  life  is  this,  where  tribulation  and 
miseries  are  never  wanting;  where  all  is  full  of 
snares,  and  enemies  ! 

For  when  one  tribulation  or  temptation  goeth,  an- 
other Cometh ;  yea  and  while  the  first  conflict  is  yet 
lasting,  many  others  come  unexpected  one  after  an- 
other. 

4.  And  how  can  a  life  be  loved  that  hath  so  many 
embitterments,  and  is  subject  to  so  many  calamities 
and  miseries? 

How  too  can  it  be  called  a  life,  that  begetteth  so 
many  deaths  and  plagues  ? 

And  yet  it  is  the  object  of  men's  love,  and  its  de- 
lights are  sought  of  many. 

The  world  is  oftentimes  blamed  for  being  deceitful 
and  vain,  and  yet  men  do  not  easily  part  with  it,  be- 
cause the  desires  of  the  flesh  bear  so  great  a  sway. 

But  some  things  draw  us  to  love  the  world,  others 
to  contemn  it. 

The  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the  eyes,  and  the 


146  m  (^titix^  in 


pride  of  life,^  do  draw  us  to  the  love  of  the  world ; 
but  the  pains  and  miseries,  that  justly  follow  them, 
cause  a  hatred  of  the  world  and  a  loathing  thereof. 

5.  But  alas,  the  fondness  for  vicious  pleasures 
overcometh  the  mind  of  him  who  is  given  to  the 
world ;  and  he  esteemeth  it  a  delight  to  be  ever  under 
thorns,^  because  he  hath  neither  seen  nor  tasted  the 
sweetness  of  God,  and  the  inward  pleasantness  of 
virtue. 

But  they  who  perfectly  contemn  the  world,  and 
study  to  live  to  God  under  holy  discipline,  these  are 
not  ignorant  of  the  divine  sweetness  promised  to 
those  who  truly  forsake  the  world.  They  also  very 
clearly  see  how  grievously  the  world  erreth,  and  how 
it  is  in  many  ways  deceived. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

T/^af  we  are  to  rest  in  God  above  all  his  Gifts  and 
Benefits* 

ABOVE  all  things,  and  in  all  things,  O  my  soul,  thou 
shalt  rest  in  the  Lord  alway,  for  he  himself  is  the 
everlasting  rest  of  the  saints. 

Grant  me,  O  most  sweet  and  loving  Jesus,  to  rest 
in  thee,  above  all  creatures,^  above  all  health  and 
beauty,  above  all  glory  and  honor,  above  all  power 
and  dignity,  above  all  knowledge  and  subtilty,  above 
all  riches  and  arts,  above  all  joy  and  gladness,  above 
all  fame  and  praise,  above  all  sweetness  and  comfort, 


*  I  John  ii.  16.        ^Job  xxx.  7.        ^Rom.  viii.  19-22. 


m  Mxt  ^^^t  in 


147. 


above  all  hope  and  promise,  above  all  desert  and 
desire : 

Above  all  gifts  and  benefits  that  thou  canst  give 
and  impart  unto  us,  above  all  mirth  and  joy  that  the 
mind  of  man  can  receive  and  feel: 

Finally,  above  angels  and  archangels,  and  above 
all  the  heavenly  host,  above  all  things  visible  ano 
invisible,  and  above  all  that  thou  art  not,  O  my  God, 

2.  Because  thou,  O  Lord  my  God,  art  supremely 
good  above  all ;  thou  alone  art  most  high,  thou  alon(. 
most  powerful,  thou  alone  most  full  and  sufficient 
thou  alone  most  sweet  and  most  full  of  consolation. 

Thou  alone  art  most  lovely  and  loving,  thou  alone 
most  noble  and  glorious  above  all  things,  in  v/hom 
all  good  things  together  both  perfectly  are,  and  ever 
have  been,  and  shall  be. 

And  therefore  whatsoever  thou  bestowest  on  me 
besides  thyself,,  or  revealest  unto  me  of  thyself,  or 
promisest,  is  but  mean  and  unsatisfying,  whilst  thou 
art  not  seen  and  not  fully  obtained. 

For  surely  my  heart  cannot  truly  rest,  nor  be  en- 
tirely contented,  unless  it  rest  in  thee,  and  rise  above 
all  gifts  and  all  creatures  whatsoever. 

3.  O  thou  most  beloved  spouse  of  my  soul,  Jesu 
Christ,  thou  most  pure  Lover,  thou  Lord  of  all  crea- 
tion ;  O  that  I  had  the  wings  of  true  liberty,  that  I 
might  flee  away  and  rest  in  thee !  ^ 

O  when  shall  it  be  fully  granted  me,  to  consider  in 
quietness  of  mind,  and  to  see  how  sweet  thou  art, 
my  Lord  God  1 


Psalm  Iv.  d. 


148 


When  shall  I  fully  gather  up  myself  into  thee,  that 
by  reason  of  my  love  to  thee  I  may  not  feel  myself, 
but  thee  alone,  above  all  sense  and  measure,  in  a 
manner  not  known  unto  every  one 

But  now  I  oftentimes  sigh,  and  bear  my  unhappi- 
ness  with  grief : 

Because  many  evils  occur  in  this  vale  of  miseries, 
which  do  often  trouble,  grieve,  and  over-cloud  me; 
often  hinder  and  distract  me,  allure  and  entangle  me, 
so  that  I  can  have  no  free  access  unto  thee,  nor  enjoy 
the  sweet  welcomings,  which  are  ever  ready  for  the 
blessed  spirits. 

O  let  my  sighs  move  thee  and  my  manifold  desola- 
tion here  on  earth. 

4.  O  Jesu,  thou  brightness  of  eternal  glory,  thou 
comfort  of  the  pilgrim  soul,  with  thee  is  my  tongue 
without  voice,  and  my  very  silence  speaketh  unto 
thee. 

How  long  doth  my  Lord  delay  to  come  ? 

Let  him  come  unto  me  his  poor  despised  servant, 
and  let  him  make  me  glad.  Let  him  put  forth  his 
hand,  and  deliver  his  poor  servant  from  all  anguish. 

Come,  O  come ;  for  without  thee  I  shall  have  no 
joyful  day  nor  hour ;  for  thou  art  my  joy,  and  without 
thee  my  table  is  empty. 

A  wretched  creature  am  I,  and  as  it  were  impris- 
oned and  loaded  with  fetters,  until  thou  refresh  me 
with  the  light  of  thy  presence,  and  grant  me  liberty, 
and  show  a  friendly  countenance  toward  me. 

5o    Let  others  seek  what  they  please  instead  of 


'  Dan.  X. 


149 


thee;  but  for  me,  nothing  else  doth  nor  shall  delight 
me,  but  thou  only,  my  God,  my  hope,  my  everlasting 
salvation. 

I  will  not  hold  my  peace,  nor  cease  to  pray,  until 
thy  grace  return  again,  and  thou  speak  inwardly 
unto  me. 

Behold,  here  I  am.  Behold,  I  come  unto  thee, 
because  thou  hast  called  upon  me.  Thy  tears  and 
the  desire  of  thy  soul,  thy  humiliation  and  thy  con- 
trition of  heart,  have  inclined  and  brought  me  unto 
thee. 

And  I  said^  Lord,  I  have  called  thee,  and  have  de- 
sired to  enjoy  thee,  being  ready  to  refuse  all  things 
for  thy  sake. 

For  thou  first  hast  stirred  me  up  that  I  might  seek 
thee. 

Blessed  be  thou  therefore,  O  Lord,  that  hast  showed 
this  goodness  to  thy  servant,  according  to  the  multi- 
tude of  thy  mercies. 

6.  What  hath  thy  servant  more  to  say  before  thee.*^ 
he  can  only  greatly  humble  himself  in  thy  sight, 
ever  mindful  of  his  own  iniquity  and  vileness. 

For  there  is  none  like  unto  thee  ^  in  all  whatsoever 
is  wonderful  in  heaven  and  earth. 

Thy  works  are  very  good,  thy  judgments  true,  and 
by  thy  providence  the  universe  is  governed. 

Praise  therefore  and  glory  be  unto  thee,  O  wisdom 
of  the  Father :  let  my  mouth,  my  soul,  and  all  creat- 
ures together,  praise  and  bless  thee. 


*  Psalm  Ixxxvi.  8. 


150  #f  th^  "^mmhmmt  nt  ^tntfiU^ 


CHAPTER  XXII. 
Of  the  Remembrance  of  God^s  7nanifold  Benefits. 

OPEN,  O  Lord,  my  heart  in  thy  law,  and  teach 
me  to  walk  in  thy  commandments.^ 
Grant  me  to  understand  thy  will,  and  with  great 
reverence  and  diligent  consideration  to  remember 
thy  benefits,  as  well  in  general  as  in  particular,  that 
henceforward  I  may  be  able  worthily  to  give  thee 
thanks. 

But  I  know  and  confess,  that  I  am  not  able,  even 
in  the  least  matter,  to  give  thee  due  thanks  for  the 
favors  which  thou  bestowest  upon  me. 

I  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  thy  benefits :  and 
when  I  consider  thy  noble  bounty,  the  greatness 
thereof  maketh  my  spirit  to  faint. 

2.  All  that  we  have  in  our  soul  and  body,  and 
whatsoever  we  possess  outwardly  or  inwardly,  nat- 
urally or  supernaturally,  are  thy  benefits,  and  do 
speak  thee  bountiful,  merciful  and  good,  from  whom 
we  have  received  all  good  things. 

Although  one  have  received  more,  another  less,  all 
notwithstanding  are  thine,  and  without  thee  even  the 
least  blessing  cannot  be  had. 

He  that  hath  received  the  greatest  cannot  glory  of 
his  own  desert,  nor  extol  himself  above  others,  nor 
exult  over  the  lesser.  For  he  is  the  greatest  and  the 
best  who  ascribeth  least  unto  himself,  and  who  in 


*  Psalm  cxix. 


rendering  thanks  is  the  most  humble  and  most 
devout. 

And  he  that  esteemeth  himself  viler  than  all  men, 
and  judgeth  himself  most  unworthy,  is  fittest  to 
receive  greater  blessings. 

2.  But  he  that  hath  received  fewer,  ought  not  to  be 
out  of  heart,  nor  to  take  it  grievously,  nor  to  envy 
them  that  are  enriched  with  greater  store ;  but  rather 
to  turn  his  mind  to  thee,  and  highly  to  praise  thy 
goodness,  for  that  thou  bestowest  thy  gifts  so  bounti- 
fully, so  freely,  and  so  willingly,  without  respect  of 
persons. 

All  things  proceed  from  thee,  and  therefore  in  all 
things  thou  art  to  be  praised. 

Thou  knowest  what  is  fit  to  be  given  to  every  one. 
And  why  this  man  hath  less  and  that  man  more,  it  is 
not  for  us  to  judge,  but  for  thee,  who  dost  exactly 
know  what  is  meet  for  every  one. 

4.  Wherefore,  O  Lord  God,  I  even  esteem  it  a 
great  mercy,  not  to  have  much  of  that  which  out- 
wardly and  in  the  opinion  of  men  seems  worthy  of 
glory  and  applause. 

He  who  considereth  the  poverty  and  unworthiness 
of  his  own  person,  should  be  so  far  from  conceiving 
grief  or  sadness,  or  from  being  cast  down  thereat, 
that  he  rather  should  take  great  comfort  and  be 
glad. 

For  thou,  O  God,  hast  chosen  the  poor  and  humble 
and  the  despised  of  this  world  for  thyself,^  to  be  thy 
familiar  friends  and  servants. 


*  I  Cor.  i.  27,  28. 


152 


Witnesses  are  thine  apostles  themselves,  whom 
thou  hast  made  princes  over  all  the  earth.^ 

And  yet  they  lived  in  the  world  without  complaint,^ 
so  humble  and  simple,  without  all  malice  and  deceit, 
that  they  even  rejoiced  to  suffer  reproach  for  thy 
name ;  ^  and  what  the  world  abhorreth,  they  embraced 
with  great  affection. 

5.  When  therefore  a  man  loveth  thee  and  acknowl- 
edgeth  thy  benefits,  nothing  ought  so  to  rejoice  him  as 
thy  will  toward  him,  and  the  good  pleasure  of  thine 
eternal  appointment. 

And  herewith  he  ought  to  be  so  contented  and  com- 
forted, that  he  would  as  willingly  be  the  least,  as 
another  would  wish  to  be  the  greatest. 

He  would  too  be  as  peaceable  and  contented  in  the 
last  place  as  in  the  first;  as  willing  to  be  a  despised 
castaway,  of  no  name  or  character,  as  to  be  preferred 
in  honor  before  others,  and  to  be  greater  in  the  world 
than  they. 

For  thy  will  and  the  love  of  thy  glory  ought  to  be 
preferred  before  all  things,  and  to  comfort  him  more, 
and  to  please  him  better,  than  all  the  benefits  which 
either  he  hath  received  or  may  receive. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Of  Four  Things  that  bring  great  Inward  Peaceo 

lyr  Y  son,  now  will  I  teach  thee  the  way  of  peace  and 
of  true  liberty. 
O  Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  do  as  thou  sayest,  for  this 
is  delightful  to  me  to  hear. 


'  Psalm  xlv.  16.       'i  Thess.  ii.  la      ^Acts  v.  41. 


153 


Be  desirous,  my  son,  to  do  the  will  of  another 

rather  than  thine  own.^ 

Choose  always  to  have  less  rather  than  more.^ 
Seek  always  the  lowest  place,  and  to  be  beneath 

every  one.^ 

Wish  always,  and  pray,  that  the  will  of  God  may 
be  wholly  fulfilled  in  thee."* 

Behold,  such  a  man  entereth  within  the  borders 
of  peace  and  rest. 

2.  O  Lord,  this  short  discourse  of  thine  con- 
taineth  within  itself  much  perfection/ 

It  is  little  in  words,  but  full  of  meaning,  and  abun- 
dant in  fruit. 

For  if  it  could  faithfully  be  kept  by  me,  I  should 
not  be  so  easily  disturbed. 

For  as  often  as  I  feel  myself  unquiet  and  weighed 
down,  I  find  that  I  have  strayed  from  this  doctrine. 

But  thou  who  canst  do  all  things,  and  ever  lovest 
the  profiting  of  my  soul,  increase  in  me  thy  grace, 
that  I  may  be  able  to  fulfil  thy  words,  and  to  work 
out  mine  own  salvation. 

A  Prayer  against  Evil  Thoughts. 

3.  O  Lord,  my  God,  be  not  thou  far  from  rne ;  my 
God,  haste  thee  to  help  me;^  for  there  have  risen  up 
against  me  sundry  thoughts,  and  great  fears,  afiflict- 
ing  my  soul. 

How  shall  I  pass  through  unhurt?  how  shall  1 
break  them  to  pieces? 


•  Matt.  xxvi.  39 ;  John  v.  30 ;  vi.  38.  Matt.  vi.  la 
^  I  Cor.  X.  24.  5  Matt.  v.  48. 

3  Luke  xiv.  la  *  Psalm  Ixxi.  12^ 


154         m  tu       ot  ^tm. 


"  I,  saith  he,  will  go  before  thee  and  will  humble 
the  great  ones  of  the  earth;  I  will  open  the  doors  ot 
the  prison,  and  reveal  unto  thee  hidden  secrets."  ^ 

Do,  O  Lord,  as  thou  sayest,and  let  all  evil  thoughts 
fly  from  before  thy  face. 

This  is  my  hope,  my  one  only  consolation,  to  flee 
unto  thee  in  every  tribulation,  to  trust  in  thee,  to 
call  upon  thee  from  my  inmost  heart,  and  to  wait 
patiently  for  thy  consolation. 

A  Prayer  for  Mental  Illumination, 

4.  O  merciful  Jesus,  enlighten  thou  me  with  the 
brightness  of  thine  inward  light,  and  lake  away  all 
darkness  from  the  habitation  of  my  heart. 

Repress  thou  my  many  wandering  thoughts,  and 
break  in  pieces  those  temptations  which  so  violently 
assault  me. 

Fight  thou  strongly  for  me,  and  vanquish  these 
evil  beasts,  these  aHuring  desires  of  the  flesh ;  that  so 
peace  may  be  obtained  by  thy  power,  and  that  thine 
abundant  praise  may  resound  in  a  holy  temple,  that 
is,  in  a  pure  conscience. 

Command  the  winds  and  tempests ;  say  unto  the 
sea,  be  still ;  ^  say  to  the  north  wind,  blow  not ;  and 
there  shall  be  a  great  calm. 

5.  Send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth,^  that  they  may 
shine  upon  the  earth ;  for  until  thou  enlighten  me,  I 
am  but  as  earth  without  form  and  void. 

Pour  forth  thy  grace  from  above,  steep  my  heart 
in  thy  heavenly  dew,  supply  fresh  streams  of  devo- 
tion to  water  the  face  of  the  earth,  that  it  may  bring 
forth  fruit  good  and  excellent. 


Isaiah  xlv.  2,3.      *  Matt.  viii.  26.      ^  Psalm  xliii.  3. 


Lift  thou  up  my  mind  which  is  pressed  down  by  a 
load  of  sins,  and  draw  up  my  whole  desire  to  things 
heavenly ;  that  having  tasted  the  sweetness  of  heav- 
enly happiness,  it  may  be  irksome  to  me  even  to  think 
of  earthly  things. 

6.  Do  thou  pluck  me  away,  and  deliver  me  from 
all  the  unlasting  comfort  of  creatures ;  for  no  created 
thing  can  fully  comfort  and  quiet  my  desires. 

Join  thou  me  to  thyself  with  an  inseparable  band 
of  love ;  for  thou,  even  thou  alone,  dost  satisfy  him 
that  loveth  thee,  and  without  thee  all  things  are  vain 
and  empty. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Of  avoiding  Curious  Enquiry  into  the  Lives 
of  Others, 

lilY  son,  be  not  curious,  nor  trouble  thyself  with 
^'^  idle  cares.^ 

What  is  this  or  that  to  thee  ?  follow  thou  me.^ 

For  what  is  it  to  thee,  whether  that  man  be  such  or 
such,  or  whether  this  man  do  or  speak  this  or  that? 

Thou  shalt  not  need  to  answer  for  others,  but  shalt 
give  account  for  thyself;^  why  therefore  dost  thou 
thus  entangle  thyself? 

Behold,  I  know  every  one,  and  do  see  all  things 
that  are  done  under  the  sun ;  also  I  understand  how 
it  is  with  every  one,  what  he  thinks,  what  he  wishes, 
and  at  what  his  intentions  aim. 


*  Ecclus.  iii.  23 ;  i  Tim.  v.  13.   ^  John  xxi.  22.   ^  Gal.  vi.  4,  5. 


156 


Unto  me  therefore  all  things  are  to  be  committed; 
but  do  thou  keep  thyself  in  peace,  and  leave  the  un- 
quiet to  be  as  unquiet  as  they  will. 

Whatsoever  they  shall  have  done  or  said,  shall  come 
upon  themselves,  for  me  they  cannot  deceive. 

2.  Be  not  careful  for  the  shadow  of  a  great  name, 
or  for  the  familiar  friendship  of  many,  or  for  the  par- 
ticular and  separate  affection  of  men. 

For  these  things  both  distract  the  heart,  and  greatly 
darken  it. 

Willingly  would  I  speak  my  word,  and  reveal  my 
secrets  unto  thee,  if  thou  wouldst  diligently  watch 
for  my  coming,  and  open  unto  me  the  door  of  thine 
heart. 

Be  thou  circumspect,  and  watchful  in  prayer,  and  in 
all  things  humble  thyself. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Wherein  firm  Peace  of  Heart  and  true  spiritual 
Progress  consisteth. 

MY  son,  I  have  said :  "  Peace  I  le?ve  with  you,  my 
peace  I  give  unto  you :  not  as  the  world  giveth, 
give  I  unto  you."^ 

Peace  is  what  all  desire,  but  all  do  r>ot  care  for  the 
things  that  pertain  unto  true  peace. 

My  peace  is  with  the  humble  and  gentle  of  heart ; 
in  much  patience  shall  thy  peace  be. 

If  thou  wilt  hear  me  and  follow  my  voi-ne,  thou  shalt 
be  able  to  enjoy  much  peace. 


*  John  xiv.  27. 


m  ^xm  ^tm  tt  iiart.  157 


What  then  shall  I  do,  Lord  ? 

In  every  matter  look  to  thyself,  as  to  what  thou 
doest  and  what  thou  sayest ;  and  direct  thy  whole 
attention  into  this,  to  please  me  alone,  and  neither  to 
desire  nor  to  seek  anything  besides  me. 

But  of  the  words  or  deeds  of  others  judge  nothing 
rashly ;  neither  do  thou  entangle  thyself  with  things 
not  entrusted  unto  thee.  Thus  it  may  come  to  pass 
that  thou  mayest  be  little  or  seldom  disturbed. 

2.  But  never  to  feel  any  disturbance  at  all,  nor  to 
suffer  any  trouble  of  mind  or  body,  belongs  not  to 
this  life,  but  to  the  state  of  eternal  rest. 

Think  not  therefore  that  thou  hast  found  true 
peace,  if  thou  feel  no  heaviness;  nor  that  all  is  well, 
when  thou  art  vexed  with  no  adversary ;  nor  that  all 
is  perfect,  if  all  things  be  done  according  to  thy 
desire. 

Neither  do  thou  think  at  all  highly  of  thyself,  nor 
account  thyself  to  be  specially  beloved,  if  thou  be  in  a 
state  of  great  devotion  and  sweetness  ;  for  it  is  not  by 
these  things  that  a  true  lover  of  virtue  is  known,  nor 
doth  the  spiritual  progress  and  perfection  of  a  man 
consist  in  these  things. 

3.  Wherein  then,  O  Lord,  doth  it  consist  ? 

In  giving  thyself  up  with  all  thy  heart  to  the 
divine  will,  not  seeking  thine  own  interest,  either 
in  great  matters  or  in  small,  either  in  time  or  in 
eternity. 

So  shalt  thou  keep  one  and  the  same  countenance. 


158     ^{  ^piritwal  S^u&m  of  ^xnL 


always  giving  thanks  both  in  prosperity  and  adversity, 
weighing  all  things  in  an  equal  balance. 

Be  thou  so  full  of  courage,  and  so  patient  in  hope, 
that  when  inward  comfort  is  withdrawn,  thou  mayest 
prepare  thy  heart  to  suffer  even  greater  things ;  and 
do  not  justify  thyself,  as  though  thou  oughtest  not  to 
suffer  such  and  so  great  afflictions,  but  justify  me  in 
whatsoever  I  appoint,  and  cease  not  to  praise  my  holy 
name. 

Then  thou  walkest  in  the  true  and  right  way  of 
peace,  and  thou  shalt  have  a  sure  hope  to  see  my  face 
again  with  great  delight. 

Now  if  thou  attain  to  the  full  contempt  of  thyself, 
know  that  thou  shalt  then  enjoy  abundance  of  peace, 
as  great  as  this  thy  state  of  sojourning  is  capable  of. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Of  the  Excellency  of  a  Free  Mind^  which  is  sooner 
gained  by  Humble  Prayer  than  by  Study, 

OLORD,  it  is  the  business  of  a  perfect  man  never 
to  withdraw  his  mind  from  attentive  thought  of 
heavenly  things,  and  thus  to  pass  amidst  many  cares 
without  care;  not  as  one  destitute  of  all  feeling,  but, 
by  the  privilege  of  a  free  mind,  cleaving  to  no  creat- 
ure with  inordinate  affection. 

2.  I  beseech  thee,  my  most  gracious  God,  preserve 
me  from  the  cares  of  this  life,  lest  I  should  be  too 
much  entangled  therein ;  and  from  the  many  necessi- 
ties of  the  body,  lest  I  should  be  ensnared  by  pleas- 


(fit  ^TfxxHml  ^xttA0m  tt  Pintle  159 


ure,  and  from  whatsoever  is  an  obstacle  to  the  soul, 
lest,  broken  with  troubles,  I  should  be  overthrown. 

I  speak  not  of  those  things  which  worldly  vanity  so 
earnestly  desireth,  but  of  those  miseries,  which,  as 
punishments  and  as  the  common  curse  of  mortality,^ 
do  weigh  down  and  hinder  the  soul  of  thy  servant, 
that  it  cannot  enter  into  the  freedom  of  the  Spirit  so 
often  as  it  would. 

3.  O  my  God,  thou  sweetness  ineffable,  turn  into 
bitterness  for  me  all  that  carnal  comfort,  which  draws 
me  away  from  the  love  of  eternal  things,  and  in  evi.^ 
wise  allures  me  to  itself  by  the  view  of  some  present 
good. 

Let  me  not  be  overcome,  O  Lord,  let  me  not  be 
overcome  by  flesh  and  blood ;  ^  let  not  the  world  and 
the  brief  glory  thereof  deceive  me ;  let  not  the  devil 
and  his  subtle  fraud  trip  me  up. 

Give  me  strength  to  resist,  patience  to  endure,  and 
constancy  to  persevere. 

Give  me,  instead  of  all  the  comforts  of  the  world, 
the  most  sweet  unction  of  thy  Spirit,  and,  in  place  of 
carnal  love,  pour  into  my  heart  the  love  of  thy  name. 

4.  Behold  1  meat,  drink,  clothing,  and  other  neces- 
saries for  the  support  of  the  body,  are  burdensome  to 
a  fervent  spirit. 

Grant  me  to  use  such  refreshments  moderately,  and 
not  to  be  entangled  with  an  undue  desire  of  them. 

It  is  not  lawful  to  cast  away  all  things,  because 
nature  needs  to  be  sustained;  but  to  require  super- 
fluities and  those  things  that  are  merely  pleasurable^ 


*Gen.  iii.  17;  Rom.  vii.  11. 


^  Rom.  xii.  21. 


160 


the  holy  law  forbiddeth  us ;  for  then  the  flesh  would 
rebel  against  the  Spirit.  Herein,  I  beseech  thee,  let 
thy  hand  govern  me  and  teach  me,  that  I  may  not  ex- 
ceed in  anything. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

That  it  ts  Love  of  Self  which  most  hindereth  from 
the  Chief  est  Good. 

ATY  son,  thou  oughtest  to  give  all  for  all,  and  to  be 
in  nothing  thine  own. 

Know  thou  that  the  love  of  thyself  doth  hurt  thee 
more  than  anything  in  the  world. 

According  to  the  love  and  affection  thou  bearest  to 
any  thing,  so  doth  it  cleave  unto  thee  more  or  less. 

If  thy  love  be  pure,^  simple,  and  well-ordered,  thou 
shalt  be  free  from  bondage. 

Do  not  covet  that  which  it  is  not  lawful  for  thee  to 
have.  Do  not  have  that  which  may  hinder  thee,  and 
may  deprive  thee  of  inward  liberty. 

Strange  it  is  that  thou  committest  not  thyself  wholly 
unto  me  from  the  bottom  of  thy  heart,  together  with 
all  things  thou  canst  have  or  desire. 

2.  Why  dost  thou  consume  thyself  with  vain 
grief 2  ^i^y  dost  thou  weary  thyself  with  needless 
cares  ? 

Submit  to  my  good  will,  and  thou  shalt  suffer  no 
hurt. 

If  thou  seek  this  or  that,  and  wouldst  be  here  or 


*Matt.  vi.  22.        ^Exodus  xviii.  i8;  Micah  iv.  9. 


161 


there,  the  better  to  enjoy  thine  own  profit  and  pleas- 
ure, thou  shalt  never  be  at  peace,  nor  free  from 
trouble  of  mind.  For  in  every  case  somewhat  will  be 
wanting,  and  in  every  place  there  will  be  some  one  to 
cross  thee. 

It  profiteth  thee  not  therefore  to  obtain  and  multiply 
any  outward  things,  but  rather  to  despise  them,  and 
utterly  to  root  them  out  from  thy  heart. 

And  this  thou  must  understand  not  only  of  revenues 
and  wealth,  but  of  seeking  after  honor  also,  and  of 
the  desire  of  vain  praise,  which  all  must  pass  away 
with  this  world. 

No  place  availeth  if  the  spirit  of  fervor  be  wanting, 
neither  shall  that  peace  long  continue,  which  is  sought 
from  without.^  If  the  state  of  thy  heart  be  destitute 
of  a  true  foundation,  that  is,  if  thou  stand  not  stead- 
fast in  me,  thou  may  est  change,  but  shalt  not  better 
thyself. 

For  when  occasion  ariseth  and  is  laid  hold  of,  thou 
wilt  find  that  which  thou  didst  flee  from,  and  yet  more. 

A  Prayer  for  a  Clean  Heart  and  Heavenly  Wisdom, 

4.  Strengthen  me,  O  God,  by  the  grace  of  thy 
holy  Spirit.2 

Grant  me  to  be  strengthened  with  might  in  the 
inner  man,^  and  to  empty  my  heart  of  all  useless 
care  and  anguish  ;  *  so  that  I  be  not  drawn  away 
with  sundry  desires  of  anything  whatever,  whether 
mean  or  precious,  but  that  I  look  on  all  things  as 


^  Isaiah  xli.  13. 
^  Psalm  li.  12. 


3  Eph.  iii.  16. 

4  Matt.  vi. 


162       (^{  §xmmAxnti  ^lmAmx% 

passing  away,  on  m3^self  also  as  soon  to  pass  away 
with  them. 

For  nothing  abideth  under  the  sun,  where  all  things 
are  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit.^  O  how  wise  is  he 
that  so  considereth  them  ! 

5.  O  Lord,  grant  me  heavenly  wisdom,^  that  I 
may  learn  above  all  things  to  seek  and  to  find  thee, 
above  all  things  to  enjoy  and  to  love  thee,  and  to 
think  of  all  other  things  as  they  really  are,  according 
to  thy  wise  ordering. 

Grant  me  prudence  to  avoid  him  that  flattereth 
me,  and  to  endure  patiently  him  that  contradicteth 
me. 

Because  it  is  a  great  part  of  wisdom  not  to  be 
moved  with  every  wind  of  words,^  nor  to  give  ear  to 
an  evil  flatterer ;  for  thus  I  shall  walk  securely  in  the 
way  which  I  have  begun. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Against  the  Tongues  of  Slanderers, 

IViY  son,  take  it  not  grievously  if  some  think  ill  o{ 
thee,*  and  speak  that  which  thou  wouldst  not 
willingly  hear. 

Thou  oughtest  to  be  the  hardest  judge  of  thyself, 
and  to  think  no  man  weaker  than  thyself. 

If  thou  dost  walk  spiritually,  thou  wilt  not  much 
weigh  fleeting  words. 

It  is  no  small  wisdom  to  keep  silence  in  an  evil 


*Eccles.  i.  14;  ii.  i. 
*Wisd.  ix. 


^Eph.  iv.  14. 
*  I  Cor.  iv.  13. 


^ulxna  M  in  ^xmt  tut  ^iflutxm.  163 


time,  and  in  thy  heart  to  turn  thyself  to  me,  and  not 
to  be  troubled  by  the  judgment  of  men. 

2.  Let  not  thy  peace  depend  on  the  tongues  of 
men;  for,  whether  they  judge  well  of  thee  or  ill, 
thou  art  not  on  that  account  other  than  thyself. 
Where  are  true  peace  and  true  glory?  are  they  not 
in  me  ?^ 

And  he  that  careth  not  to  please  men,  nor  feareth 
to  displease  them,  shall  enjoy  much  peace. 

From  inordinate  love  and  vain  fear  ariseth  all  dis* 
quietness  of  heart  and  distraction  of  the  mind. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

I/ouf  that  we  ought  to  call  upon  God,  and  to  bless 
HinZy  when  Tribulation  is  upon  us. 

DLESSED  be  thy  name,  O  Lord,  for  ever; 2  for 
^  that  it  is  thy  will  that  this  temptation  and  tribula- 
tion should  come  upon  me. 

I  cannot  escape  it,  but  must  needs  flee  unto  thee, 
that  thou  mayest  help  me,  and  turn  it  to  my  good. 

Lord,  I  am  now  in  affliction,  and  it  is  not  well  with 
me,  but  I  am  much  troubled  with  the  present  suf- 
fering. 

And  now,  O  beloved  Father,  what  shall  I  say  ?  ^ 
I  am  in  a  strait ;  save  thou  me  from  this  hour. 

Yet  therefore  came  I  unto  this  hour  that  thou 
mightest  be  glorified,  when  I  shall  have  been  greatly 
humbled,  and  by  thee  delivered. 


'John  xvi.  33.  3 Matt,  xxvi;  John  xii.  27. 

•Job  i.  21 ;  Psalm  cxiii.  2. 


164  (^t  SHwtittg  M  in  ^xme  tit  ^fUittim^ 


Let  it  please  thee,  Lord,  to  deliver  me;^  for 
wretched  that  I  am,  what  can  I  do,  and  whither  shall 
I  go  without  thee  ? 

Grant  me  patience,  O  Lord,  even  now  in  this  my 
strait.  Help  me,  my  God,  and  then  I  will  not  fear 
how  grievously  soever  I  be  afflicted. 

2.    And  now  in  these  my  troubles  what  shall  I  say? 

Lord,  thy  will  be  done  !  ^  I  have  well  deserved  to 
be  afflicted  and  grieved. 

Surely  I  ought  to  bear  it ;  and  O  that  I  may  bear 
it  with  patience,  until  the  tempest  be  overpast,  and 
all  be  well  again,  or  even  better ! 

But  thine  omnipotent  hand  is  able  to  take  even  this 
temptation  from  me,  and  to  assuage  the  violence 
thereof,  that  I  utterly  sink  not  under  it ;  as  often- 
times heretofore  thou  hast  done  unto  me,  O  my  God, 
my  Mercy ! 

And  the  more  difficult  it  is  to  me,  so  much  the 
more  easy  to  thee  is  this  change  of  the  right  hand  of 
the  most  High. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

€ff  Craving  the  Divine  Aid^  and  of  Confidence  of 
Recovering  Grace, 

IV/TY  son,  I  am  the  Lord  that  giveth  strength  in 
the  day  of  tribulation.^ 
Come  thou  unto  me,  when  it  is  not  well  with  thee.** 


*  Psalm  xxxvii.  40. 
^Matt.  vi.  I  a 


3  Nahum  i.  7. 
*Matt.  xi.  28. 


CDf  SPtwsting  (^oil  in  Wxme  0f  ^tUxttxon.  165 


This  is  that  which  most  of  all  hindereth  heavenly 
consolation,  that  thou  art  too  slow  in  turning  thyself 
unto  prayer. 

For  before  thou  dost  earnestly  supplicate  me,  thou 
seekest  in  the  meanwhile  many  comforts,  and  lookest 
for  refreshment  in  outward  things. 

And  hence  it  cometh  to  pass  that  all  doth  Httle 
profit  thee,  until  thou  well  consider  that  I  am  he  who 
doth  rescue  them  that  trust  in  him ;  and  that  out  of 
me  there  is  neither  powerful  help,  nor  profitable 
counsel,  nor  lasting  remedy. 

But  do  thou,  having  now  recovered  breath  after  the 
tempest,  gather  strength  again  in  the  light  of  my  mer- 
cies ;  for  I  am  at  hand  (saith  the  Lord)  to  repair  all, 
not  only  entirely,  but  also  abundantly  and  in  most 
plentiful  measure. 

2.  Is  there  anything  hard  to  me  ?  or  shall  I  be  like 
unto  one  that  promiseth  and  performeth  not?^ 

Where  is  thy  faith  ?  stand  firmly  and  with  persever- 
ance ;  take  courage  and  be  patient ;  comfort  will  come 
to  thee  in  due  time. 

Wait,  wait,  I  say,  for  me :  I  will  come  and  heal 
thee. 

It  is  a  temptation,  this  that  vexeth  thee,  and  a  vaia 
fear,  this  that  affrighteth  thee. 

What  else  doth  anxiety  about  the  future  bring  to 
thee,  but  sorrow  upon  sorrow  ?  "  Sufiicient  for  the 
day  is  the  evil  thereof."  ^ 

It  is  a  vain  thing  and  unprofitable,  to  be  either  dis-r 
turbed  or  pleased  about  future  things,  which  perhaps 
will  never  come  to  pass. 


*  Matt,  xxiii.  35. 


2  Matt.  vi.  34. 


166  (^{  ^xn^txnfi  (S0il  in  ®ime  of  ^tdutxon. 


3.  But  it  is  in  the  nature  of  man  to  be  deluded 
with  such  imaginations  ;  and  it  is  a  sign  of  a  mind  as 
yet  weak  to  be  so  easily  drawn  away  by  the  sugges- 
tions of  the  enemy. 

For  so  that  he  may  but  delude  and  deceive  thee,  he 
careth  not  whether  it  be  by  true  things  or  by  false ; 
whether  he  overthrow  thee  with  the  love  of  present 
things,  or  the  fear  of  future  things. 

Let  not  therefore  thy  heart  be  troubled,  neither  let 
it  be  afraid. 

Trust  in  me,  and  put  thy  confidence  in  my  mercy.^ 
When  thou  thinkest  thyself  farthest  off  from  me, 

oftentimes  I  am  nearest  unto  thee. 

When  thou  judgest  that  almost  all  is  lost,  then 

oftentimes  the  greatest  gain  of  reward  is  close  at 

hand. 

All  is  not  lost,  when  a  thing  falleth  out  against 
thee. 

Thou  must  not  judge  according  to  present  feeling, 
nor  so  take  any  grief,  or  give  thyself  over  to  it,  from 
whencesoever  it  cometh,  as  though  all  hopes  of  es- 
cape were  quite  taken  away. 

4.  Think  not  thyself  wholly  left,  although  for  a 
time  I  have  sent  thee  some  tribulation,  or  even  have 
withdrawn  thy  desired  comfort ;  for  this  is  the  way  to 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

And  without  doubt  it  is  more  expedient  for  thee 
and  for  the  rest  of  my  servants,  that  ye  be  exercised 
with  adversities,  than  that  ye  should  have  all  things 
according  to  your  desires. 

I  know  the  secret  thoughts  of  thy  heart,  and  that 


'  Psalm  xci.  i. 


m  ©tui^ting  M  in  ^imt  t^f  g^ffUrti^n.  167 


it  is  very  expedient  for  thy  welfare,  that  thou  be  left 
sometimes  without  spiritual  enjoyment,  lest  perhaps 
thou  shouldst  be  puffed  up  with  thy  prosperous  estate, 
and  shouldst  be  wilHng  to  please  thyself  in  that  which 
thou  art  not. 

That  which  I  have  given,  I  can  take  away ;  and  can 
restore  it  again  when  I  please. 

5.  When  I  give  it,  it  is  still  mine;  when  I  with- 
draw it,  I  take  not  anything  that  is  thine  ;  for  every 
good  and  every  perfect  gift  is  mine.^ 

If  I  send  thee  affliction,  or  any  cross  whatsoever, 
repine  not,  nor  let  thy  heart  fail  thee ;  I  can  quickly 
succor  thee,  and  turn  all  thy  heaviness  into  joy. 

Nevertheless  I  am  righteous  and  greatly  to  be 
praised,  when  I  deal  thus  with  thee. 

6.  If  thou  be  wise,  and  consider  this  rightly,  thou 
wilt  never  mourn  so  dejectedly  for  any  adversity,  but 
rather  wilt  rejoice  and  give  thanks. 

Yea,  thou  wilt  account  this  thine  especial  joy,  that 
I  afflict  thee  with  sorrows,  and  do  not  spare  thee. 

"  As  my  Father  hath  loved  me,  so  have  I  loved 
you,"  2  said  I  unto  my  beloved  disciples ;  whom  doubt- 
less I  sent  not  out  to  temporal  joys,  but  to  great  con- 
flicts ;  not  to  honor,  but  to  contempt;  not  to  idleness, 
but  to  labors ;  not  to  rest,  but  that  they  should  bring 
forth  much  fruit  with  patience.  Remember  thou  these 
words,  O  my  son  ! 


'James  i.  17. 


*  John  XV.  9, 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Of  the  Contempt  of  all  Creatwes^  in  order  to  find  out 
the  Creator. 

r\  LORD,  I  stand  much  in  need  of  yet  greater 
^  grace,  if  it  be  thy  will  that  I  should  attain  to  that 
state,  where  neither  man  nor  any  creature  shall  be  a 
hindrance  unto  me. 

For  as  long  as  anything  holds  me  back,  I  cannot 
freely  take  my  flight  to  thee. 

He  desired  to  fly  freely  that  said,  "  Oh  1  that  I  had 
wings  like  a  dove,  for  then  would  I  flee  away  and  be 
at  rest!"! 

What  is  more  quiet  than  the  single  eye  and  who 
more  free  than  he  that  desireth  nothing  upon  earth  ? 

A  man  ought  therefore  to  mount  above  all  creat- 
ures, and  perfectly  to  renounce  himself,  and  to  be  in 
a  sort  of  ecstasy  of  mind,  and  to  see  that  thou,  the 
Creator  of  all  things,  hast  nothing  amongst  creatures 
like  unto  thyself. 

Unless  a  man  be  set  free  from  all  creatures,  he  can- 
not wholly  attend  unto  divine  things. 

And  therefore  are  there  so  few  comtemplative,  for 
that  few  can  wholly  withdraw  themselves  from  things 
created  and  perishing. 

2.  To  obtain  this,  there  is  need  of  much  grace,  to 
elevate  the  soul,  and  carry  it  away  above  itself. 

And  unless  a  man  be  uplifted  in  spirit,  and  be 


Psalm  Iv.  6. 


*Matt.  vi.  22. 


Of  paving  iUt  (flxmtnx^  Uv  tU  (f^xmtn.  16^ 


freed  from  all  creatures,  and  wholly  united  unto  God, 
whatsoever  he  knoweth,  and  whatsoever  he  hath,  is 
of  small  account. 

A  long  while  shall  he  be  little,  and  lie  grovelling 
below,  whoever  he  be  that  esteemeth  anything  great, 
save  the  one  only  infinite  eternal  Good. 

And  whatsoever  is  not  God,  is  nothing,  and  ought 
to  be  accounted  of  as  nothing. 

There  is  great  difference  between  the  wisdom  of  a 
man  devout  and  taught  of  God,  and  the  knowledge  of 
a  man  learned  and  studious. 

Far  more  noble  is  that  learning  which  floweth  from 
above,  from  the  divine  influence,  than  that  which  is 
painfully  gotten  by  the  wit  of  man. 

3.  There  are  many  that  desire  contemplation,  but 
they  endeavor  not  to  practise  those  things  that  are 
needful  thereunto. 

A  great  hindrance  it  is,  that  men  rest  in  signs  and 
in  the  things  of  sense,  and  little  heed  perfect  mortifi- 
cation. 

I  know  not  what  it  is,  by  what  spirit  we  are  led,  nor 
what  we  pretend,  we  that  seem  to  be  called  spiritual^ 
that  we  take  so  much  pains,  and  are  so  full  of  anxiety 
about  transitory  and  mean  things,  and  so  rarely  think 
of  our  own  inward  concernments  with  full  recollection 
of  mind. 

4.  Alas,  presently,  after  a  slight  recollection,  we 
rush  into  outward  things  again,  and  weigh  not  our 
works  with  diligent  examination. 

We  heed  not  where  our  affections  lie,  nor  bewail 
the  impurity  that  is  in  all  our  actions. 


170 


For  "  all  flesh  had  corrupted  his  way,"  and  there- 
fore did  the  great  deluge  ensue.^ 

Since,  then,  the  inward  affection  is  much  cor- 
rupted, the  action  thence  proceeding  must  needs  be 
corrupted  also,  a  proof  of  the  absence  of  all  inward 
strength. 

From  a  pure  heart  proceedeth  the  fruit  of  a  good 
life. 

5.  We  ask  how  much  a  man  has  done  i  but  from 
what  principle  he  acts,  is  not  so  diligently  considered. 

We  enquire  whether  he  be  courageous,  rich,  hand- 
some, skilful,  a  good  writer,  a  good  singer,  or  a  good 
laborer;  but  how  poor  he  is  in  spirit,  how  patient 
and  meek,  how  devout  and  spiritual,  is  seldom  spoken 
of. 

Nature  respecteth  the  outward  things  of  a  man, 
grace  turneth  itself  to  the  inward. 

The  one  is  often  disappointed ;  the  other  hath  her 
trust  in  God,  and  so  is  not  deceived. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Of  Self-Denial^  and  renotmcing  every  Evil 
Appetite, 

liTY  son,  thou  canst  not  possess  perfect  liberty  un- 
less  thou  wholly  renounce  thyself.^ 
They  all  are  but  in  fetters  who  merely  seek  their 
own  interest,  and  are  lovers  of  themselves.  Covetous 
are  they,  curious,  wanderers,  always  seeking  what  is 
soft  and  delicate,  not  the  things  of  Jesus  Christ,  but 


*Gen.  vi.  12;  vii.  21. 


^Matt.  xvi.  24;  xix.  8,  9. 


171 


oftentimes  devising  and  framing  that  which  will  not 
continue. 

For  all  that  is  not  of  God  shall  perish. 

Keep  this  short  and  complete  saying :  "  Forsake  all 
and  thou  shalt  find  all."  Forego  desire  and  thou 
slialt  find  rest. 

Consider  this  well,  and  when  thou  hast  fulfilled  it, 
thou  shalt  understand  all  things. 

0  Lord,  this  is  not  the  work  of  one  day,  nor  chil- 
dren's sport  :  yea  rather  in  this  short  word  is  included 
all  perfection. 

My  son,  thou  oughtest  not  to  turn  back,  nor  at  once 
to  be  cast  down,  when  thou  hearest  of  the  way  of  the 
perfect ;  but  rather  to  be  stirred  up  to  higher  things, 
and  at  least  in  longing  desire  to  sigh  after  them. 

1  would  it  were  so  with  thee,  that  thou  wert  arrived 
at  this,  to  be  no  longer  a  lover  of  thyself,  but  to  stand 
merely  at  my  beck,  and  at  his  whom  I  have  appointed 
a  father  over  thee ;  then  thou  shouldst  exceedingly 
please  me,  and  all  thy  life  should  pass  away  in  joy  and 
peace. 

Thou  hast  yet  many  things  to  part  with,  which 
unless  thou  wholly  resign  unto  me,  thou  shalt  not 
attain  to  that  which  thou  desirest. 

"  I  counsel  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold  tried  in  the  fire, 
that  thou  mayest  become  rich ; "  ^  that  is,  heavenly 
wisdom,  which  treadeth  under  foot  all  lower  things. 

Set  little  by  earthly  wisdom,  and  study  not  to  please 
others  or  thyself. 


*  Rev.  iii.  1 8. 


172    m  m  ^xcutnm  0f  (^tfA'^  f 


3.  I  said,  that  mean  things  must  be  bought  with 
things  which,  among  men,  seem  precious  and  of  great 
esteem. 

For  true  heavenly  wisdom  doth  seem  very  mean, 
of  small  account,  and  almost  forgotten  among  men, 
as  having  no  high  thoughts  of  itself,  nor  seeking  to 
be  magnified  upon  earth.  Many  indeed  praise  it 
with  their  lips,  but  in  their  life  they  are  far  from  it ; 
yet  is  it  the  precious  pearl,^  which  is  hidden  from 
many, 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Of  Inconstancy  of  Hearty  and  of  having  our  Final 
Intent  directed  unto  God, 

MY  son,  trust  not  to  thy  feelings,  for  whatever  they 
be  now,  they  will  quickly  be  changed  towards 
some  other  thing. 

As  long  as  thou  livest,  thou  art  subject  to  change,^ 
even  against  thy  will ;  so  that  thou  art  at  one  time 
merry,  at  another  sad ;  at  one  time  quiet,  at  another 
troubled;  now  devout,  now  undevout;  now  diligent, 
now  listless ;  now  grave,  and  now  light. 

But  he  that  is  wise  and  well  instructed  in  the  Spirit 
standeth  fast  upon  these  changing  things  ;  not  heeding 
what  he  feeleth  in  himself,  or  which  way  the  wind  of 
instability  bloweth ;  but  that  the  whole  intent  of  his 
mind  may  be  to  the  right  and  the  best  end. 

For  thus  he  will  be  able  to  contL'^ue  one  and  the 
same  and  unshaken,  in  the  midst  of  so  many  various 


*  Matt.  xiii.  40. 


*  Job  xiv.  2. 


m  m  ^wntnm  t^f  (&t^iV^  f  xrm  173 


events  directing  continually  the  single  eye  of  his 
intent  unto  me. 

2,  And  the  purer  the  eye  of  the  intent  is,i  with  so 
much  the  more  constancy  doth  a  man  pass  through 
the  several  kinds  of  storms  which  assail  him. 

But  in  many  the  eye  of  a  pure  intent  waxes  dim, 
for  it  is  quickly  drawn  aside  to  any  pleasurable  object 
which  meets  it. 

For  it  is  rare  to  find  one  who  is  wholly  free  from 
all  blemish  of  self-seeking. 

So  of  old  the  Jews  came  to  Bethany  to  Martha  and 
Mary,  not  for  Jesus'  sake  only,  but  that  they  might 
see  Lazarus  also.^ 

The  eye  of  our  intent  therefore  is  to  be  purified, 
that  it  may  be  single  and  right,^  and  is  to  be  directed 
unto  me,  beyond  all  the  various  earthly  objects  which 
come  between. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

That  God  is  precious^  above  all  Thmgs^  and  in  all 
Things^  to  him  that  loveth  Hi7n. 

"DEHOLD!  My  God,  and  my  All."  What  would 
.  ^  I  more,  and  what  greater  happiness  can  I 
desire  1 

O  sweet  and  delightful  word !  but  to  him  only  that 
loveth  the  word,  not  the  world  nor  the  things  that 
^re  in  the  world. 

"My  God,  and  my  All!"    To  him  that  under- 


'  Matt.  vi.  22.        ^  John  xii.  9.        ^  Matt.  vi.  22. 


174   m  m  M^utnm  w^^^* 


standeth,  enough  is  said ;  and  to  repeat  it  again  and 
again,  is  pleasant  to  him  that  loveth. 

For  when  thou  art  present,  all  things  do  yield 
delight;  but  when  thou  art  absent,  everything  be- 
cometh  irksome. 

Thou  givest  quietness  of  heart,  and  much  peace^ 
and  pleasant  joy. 

Thou  makest  us  to  take  delight  in  all  things,  and 
in  all  to  praise  thee ;  neither  can  anything  please 
long  without  thee  ;  but  if  it  be  pleasant  and  grateful, 
thy  grace  must  needs  be  present,  and  it  must  be 
seasoned  with  the  sweetness  of  thy  wisdom. 

2.  What  will  not  be  pleasant  to  the  taste  unto  him 
who  hath  a  true  rehsh  for  thee  ? 

And  to  him  that  hath  no  relish  for  thee,  what  can 
be  pleasant  ? 

But  the  wise  men  of  the  world,  and  they  also  who 
rehsh  the  things  of  the  flesh,  come  short  of  thy  wis- 
dom ;  1  for  in  the  former  is  found  much  vanity,  and 
in  the  latter  death. 

But  they  that  follow  thee  in  contempt  of  worldly 
things,  and  mortification  of  the  flesh,  are  known  to  be 
truly  wise  :  for  they  are  brought  over  from  vanity  to 
truth,  from  the  flesh  to  the  spirit. 

These  relish  God;  and  what  good  soever  is  found 
in  creatures,  they  wholly  refer  unto  the  praise  of 
their  Maker. 

Great,  however,  yea,  very  great  is  the  difference 
between  the  sweetness  of  the  Creator  and  of  the 
creature,  of  eternity  and  of  time,  of  light  uncreated 
and  of  the  light  that  receiveth  its  light  therefrom. 


I  Cor.  i.  26;  Rom.  viii.  5;  i  John  ii.  16. 


3.  O  thou  everlasting  Light,  surpassing  all  created 
lights,  dart  the  beams  of  thy  brightness  from  above^ 
to  pierce  all  the  most  inward  parts  of  my  heart. 

Purify,  rejoice,  enlighten  and  enliven  my  spirit 
with  all  the  powers  thereof,  that  I  may  cleave  unta 
thee  with  abundance  of  joy  and  triumph. 

O  when  will  that  blessed  and  desired  hour  come, 
that  thou  mayest  satisfy  me  with  thy  presence,  and 
mayest  be  unto  me  all  in  all. 

So  long  as  this  is  not  granted  me,  I  shall  not  have 
perfect  joy. 

Still  alas  !  the  old  man  doth  live  in  me  :  ^  he  is  not 
wholly  crucified,  he  is  not  perfectly  dead. 

Still  doth  he  mightily  strive  against  the  Spirit,  and 
stirreth  up  inward  wars,  and  suffereth  not  the  king- 
dom of  my  soul  to  be  in  peace. 

4.  But  thou  that  rulest  the  power  of  the  sea,  and 
stillest  the  rising  of  the  waves  thereof,^  arise  and 
help  me! 

Scatter  the  nations  that  delight  in  war,^  crush  thoa 
them  in  thy  might. 

Display  thy  greatness,  I  beseech  thee,  and  let  thy 
right  hand  be  glorified,  for  there  is  no  other  hope  or 
refuge  for  me,  save  in  thee,  O  Lord  my  God.^ 


'  Rom.  vii. 

^  Psaim  Ixxxix.  9. 


^  Psalm  Ixviii.  30. 
Psalm  xxxi.  14. 


176         m  (^n&nxxm  ©mptetiutt. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

T/ia^  there  is  no  Security  from  Temptation  in  this 
Life. 

IVyf  Y  son,  thou  art  never  secure  in  this  life,  but,  as 
long  as  thou  livest,^  thou  shalt  always  need 
spiritual  armor. 

Thou  dwellest  among  enemies,  and  art  assaulted 
on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left.^ 

If  therefore  thou  defend  not  thyself  on  every  side 
with  the  shield  of  patience,  thou  canst  not  be  long 
without  a  wound. 

Moreover,  if  thou  fix  not  thy  heart  on  me  with  sin- 
cere willingness  to  suffer  all  things  for  me,  thou  wilt 
not  be  able  to  bear  the  heat  of  this  combat,  nor  to 
attain  to  the  palm  of  the  blessed. 

Thou  oughtest  therefore  manfully  to  go  through 
all,  and  to  secure  a  strong  hand  against  whatsoever 
v/ithstandeth  thee. 

For  to  him  that  overcometh  is  manna  given,  but 
for  the  indolent  there  remaineth  much  misery. 

2.  If  thou  seek  rest  in  this  life,  how  wilt  thou  then 
attain  to  the  everlasting  rest.'* 

Dispose  not  thyself  for  much  rest,  but  for  great 
patience. 

Seek  true  peace,  not  in  earth,  but  in  heaven ;  not 
in  men,  nor  in  any  other  creature,  but  in  God  alone. 
For  the  love  of  God  thou  oughtest  cheerfully  to 


^  Job  vii.  I. 


^2  Cor.  vi.  7. 


<gn4untt0  ^mvUtxon.  177 


undergo  all  things,  that  is  to  say,  all  labor,  grief, 
temptation,  vexation,  anxiety,  necessity,  infirmity, 
injury,  detraction,  reproof,  humiliation,  shame,  correc- 
tion, and  contempt. 

These  help  to  virtue ;  these  are  the  trial  of  a  babe 
in  Christ;  these  form  the  heavenly  crown. 

I  will  give  an  everlasting  reward  for  a  short  labor, 
and  infinite  glory  for  transitory  shame. 

3.  Thinkest  thou  that  thou  shalt  always  have  spir- 
itual consolations  at  will  ? 

My  saints  had  not  such  always,  but  they  Had 
many  afflictions,  and  sundry  temptations,  and  great 
discomforts. 

But  in  all  these  they  did  bear  up  themselves  pa- 
tiently, and  trusted  rather  in  God  than  in  themselves, 
knowing  that  the  sufferings  of  this  time  are  not  wor- 
thy to  be  compared  to  the  future  glory.^ 

Wilt  thou  have  that  at  once,  which  many  after 
many  tears  and  great  labors  have  hardly  obtained  ? 

Wait  for  the  Lord,  behave  thyself  manfully,  and  be 
of  good  courage;  2  be  not  faithless,  do  not  leave  thy 
place,  but  steadily  expose  both  body  and  soul  for  the 
glory  of  God. 

I  will  reward  thee  in  most  plentiful  wise;  I  will  be 
with  thee  in  every  tribulation. 


^  Rom.  viii.  i8. 


*  Psalm  xxvii.  14. 


178    (^ff  §xmm<!^im  W^tt'^  gxx&timtnt 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

Against  the  Vain  Judgments  of  Men. 

son,  .rest  thy  heart  firmly  on  the  Lord,  and  fear 
not  the  judgment  of  men,  when  conscience  testi- 
fyeth  of  thy  dutifulness  and  innocency. 

It  is  a  good  and  happy  thing  to  suffer  in  such  a 
way;  nor  will  this  be  grievous  to  a  heart  which  is 
humble,  and  which  trusteth  rather  in  God  than  in 
itself. 

The  most  part  of  men  are  givenUo  talk  much,  and 
therefore  little  trust  is  to  be  placed  in  them. 

Moreover  also,  to  satisfy  all  is  not  possible. 

Although  Paul  endeavored  to  please  all  in  the  Lord, 
and  made  himself  all  things  unto  alP  men,  yet  with 
him  it  was  a  very  small  thing  that  he  should  be 
judged  of  man's  judgment.^ 

2.  He  did  for  the  edification  and  salvation  of 
others  what  lay  in  him,  and  as  much  as  he  was  able ; 
yet  could  he  not  hinder  but  that  he  was  sometimes 
judged  and  despised  by  others. 

Therefore  he  committed  all  to  God,  who  knew  all; 
and  with  patience  and  humility  he  defended  himself 
against  unjust  tongues,  and  against  such  as  thought 
vanities  and  lies,  and  spake  boastfully  whatever  they 
listed. 

Sometimes  notwithstanding  he  made  answer,  lest 
the  weak  should  be  offended  by  his  silence.^ 

*  I  Cor.  ix.  22;  2  Cor.  iv.  2.      ^Acts  xxvi.;  Phil.  i.  14. 
^Coloss.  i.;  I  Cor.  iv.  3. 


3.  Who  art  thou  that  fearest  a  mortal  man  ?  to-day 
he  is,  and  to-morrow  he  is  not  seen.^ 

Fear  God,  and  thou  shalt  not  need  to  shrink  from 
the  terrors  of  men. 

What  harm  can  the  words  or  injuries  of  any  man 
do  thee?  He  hurteth  himself  rather  than  thee,  nor 
shall  he  be  able  to  avoid  the  judgment  of  God,^  who- 
soever he  be. 

Do  thou  have  God  before  thine  eyes,  and  contend 
not  with  peevish  words. 

And  if  for  the  present  thou  seem  to  be  worsted  and 
to  suffer  shame  undeservedly,  do  not  therefore  repine, 
neither  do  thou  by  impatience  lessen  thy  crown.^ 

But  rather  lift  thou  up  thine  eyes  to  me  in  heaven, 
who  am  able  to  deliver  thee  from  all  shame  and 
wrong,  and  to  render  to  every  man  according  to  his 
works. 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

Of  Pure  and  Entire  Resignation  for  the  obtaining 
Frcedo7n  of  Heart. 

AyTY  son,  forsake  thyself,  and  thou  shalt  find  me.^ 

Choose  not  any  thing,  nor  appropriate  any  thing 
whatever  to  thyself,  and  thou  shalt  always  be  a 
gainer. 

For  greater  grace  shall  be  added  to  thee,  the  mo- 
ment thou  hast  resigned  thyself,  and  hast  not  resumed 
thy  claim. 


^  I  Mac.  ii.  62,  63.  ^Heb.  xii.  i,  2. 

^  Rom.  ii.  3;  I  Cor.  xi.  32.  ^  Matt.  xvi.  24. 


Lord,  how  often  shall  I  resign  myself,  and  wherein 
shall  I  forsake  myself? 

Always  and  at  every  hour ;  as  well  in  small  things 
as  in  great.  I  except  nothing,  but  do  desire  that  thou 
be  found  stripped  of  all  things. 

Otherwise,  how  canst  thou  be  mine,  and  I  thine, 
unless  thou  be  stripped  of  all  self-will,  both  within  and 
without  ? 

The  sooner  thou  doest  this,  the  better  it  will  be  with 
thee ;  and  the  more  fully  and  sincerely  thou  doest  it, 
'so  much  the  more  shalt  thou  please  me,  and  so  much 
the  greater  shall  be  thy  gain. 

2.  Some  there  are  who  resign  themselves,  but  with 
exceptions  :  for  they  put  not  their  whole  trust  in  God, 
therefore  they  study  how  to  provide  for  themselves. 

Some  also  at  first  do  offer  all,  but  afterwards,  being 
assailed  with  temptation,  they  return  again  to  their 
own  ways,  and  therefore  make  no  progress  in  the  way 
of  virtue. 

These  shall  not  attain  to  the  true  liberty  of  a  pure 
heart,  nor  to  the  favor  of  my  sweetest  friendship, 
unless  they  first  make  an  entire  resignation  and  a 
daily  oblation  of  themselves.  Without  this,  there 
neither  is  nor  can  be  a  fruitful  union. 

3.  I  have  very  often  said  unto  thee,  and  now  again 
I  say  the  same.  Forsake  thyself,^  resign  thyself,  and 
thou  shalt  enjoy  much  inward  peace. 

Give  all  for  all;  seek  nothing,  ask  back  nothing; 
abide  purely  and  with  a  firm  confidence  in  me,  and 


^  Matt.  xvi.  24. 


m  ^tlxaxm^  Mf'(^ifvtxmtnt  181 


thou  shalt  possess  me ;  thou  shalt  be  free  in  hearty 
and  darkness  shall  not  tread  thee  down. 

Let  this  be  thy  whole  endeavor,  let  this  be  thy 
prayer,  this  thy  desire;  that,  being  stripped  of  all 
selfishness,  thou  mayest  with  entire  simplicity  follow 
Jesus  only,  and,  dying  to  thyself,  mayest  live  eter- 
nally to  me. 

Then  all  vain  imaginations,  evil  perturbations,  and 
superfluous  cares  shall  fly  away. 

Then  also  immoderate  fear  shall  leave  thee,  and 
inordinate  love  shall  die. 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

0/  Good  Government  of  Ourselves  in  Things  Out- 
ward^ and  of  Recourse  to  God  in  Dangers, 

ATY  son,  thou  oughtest  with  all  diligence  to  en-^ 
deavor,  that,  in  every  place  and  action,  and  in 
all  outward  business,  thou  be  inwardly  free,  and 
thoroughly  master  of  thyself;  and  that  all  things  be 
under  thee,  and  not  thou  under  them. 

Thou  must  be  lord  and  master  of  thine  own  actions, 
not  a  servant  or  a  hireling. 

Rather  shouldst  thou  be  as  a  freed  man  and  a  true 
Hebrew,  passing  over  into  the  lot  and  freedom  of  the 
sons  of  God. 

For  they  stand  above  things  present,  and  contem- 
plate the  things  eternal. 

They  look  on  transitory  things  with  the  left  eye, 
and  with  the  right  do  behold  the  things  of  heaven. 


182     (g}t  ^rtigi^us  ^t\{'(&0mmtnt 


Temporal  things  cannot  draw  them  to  cleave  unto 
them;  rather  do  they  draw  temporal  things  to  serve 
them,  and  this  in  such  way  as  they  are  ordained  by 
God,  and  are  appointed  by  the  great  Work-master, 
who  hath  left  nothing  in  his  creation  without  due 
order. 

2.  If  too  thou  stand  steadfast  in  all  things,  and  do 
not  estimate  what  thou  seest  and  hearest  by  the  out- 
ward appearance,  nor  with  a  carnal  eye ;  but  at  once 
in  every  affair  dost  enter  with  Moses  into  the  taber- 
nacle ^  to  ask  counsel  of  the  Lord ;  thou  shalt  some- 
times hear  the  divine  oracle,  and  shalt  return  in- 
structed concerning  many  things,  both  present  and 
to  come. 

For  Moses  always  had  recourse  to  the  tabernacle 
for  the  deciding  of  doubts  and  questions,  and  fled  to 
the  help  of  prayer  for  support  under  dangers  and  the 
iniquity  of  men. 

So  oughtest  thou  in  like  manner  to  fly  to  the  closet 
of  thine  heart,^  very  earnestly  craving  the  divine 
favor. 

For  we  read,  that  for  this  cause  Joshua  and  the 
children  of  Israel  were  deceived  by  the  Gibeonites, 
because  they  asked  not  counsel  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord,^  but,  giving  credit  too  lightly  to  their  fair 
words,  were  deluded  by  their  counterfeit  piety. 


*Exod.  xxxiii.  9.       ^Matt.  vi.  6.       ^Josh.  ix.  14. 


<&m'(^nxtMnm  in  "gn^xnm  W^^ttm.  183 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

T/ia^  a  Man  should  not  be  over-careflil  in 
Matters  of  Business, 

A/fY  son,  always  commit  thy  cause  to  me.  I  will 
dispose  well  of  it  in  due  time. 

Wait  for  my  ordering  of  it,  and  thou  shalt  find  it 
will  be  for  thy  good. 

O  Lord,  I  do  most  cheerfully  commit  all  unto  thee, 
for  my  care  can  little  avail. 

Would  that  I  did  not  so  much  dwell  on  future 
things,  but  gave  myself  up  without  a  struggle  to  thy 
good  pleasure. 

2.  My  son,  oftentimes  a  man  vehemently  strug- 
gleth  for  somewhat  he  desireth,  and  when  he  hath 
arrived  at  it,  he  beginneth  to  be  of  another  mind ;  for 
man's  affections  do  not  long  continue  fixed  on  one 
object,  but  rather  do  urge  him  from  one  thing  to 
another. 

It  is  therefore  no  small  benefit  for  a  man  to  for- 
sake himself  even  in  the  smallest  things. 

3.  The  true  profiting  of  a  man  consisteth  in  the 
denying  of  himself;  and  he  that  thus  denieth  him- 
self, liveth  in  great  freedom  and  security. 

But  the  old  enemy ,^  who  always  setteth  himself 
against  all  that  are  good,  ceaseth  at  no  time  from 
tempting,  but  day  and  night  lieth  grievously  in  wait, 
to  cast  the  unwary,  if  he  can,  headlong  into  the  snare 
of  deceit. 

Therefore  "  Watch  ye,  and  pray,"  saith  our  Lord, 
"  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation."  2 


» I  Pet.  V.  8. 


^Matt.  xxvi.  41. 


184  m  Wxnt  (Himtoxt  mA  moxa. 


CHAPTER  XL. 

T/ta/  Man   hath  of  hhnself  no  Good  Things  nor 
Anything  whereof  he  can  glory, 

"  T  ORD,  what  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of 

l-'him,  or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him?"i 

What  hath  man  deserved  that  thou  shouldest  grant 
him  thy  favor? 

O  Lord,  what  cause  have  I  to  complain,  if  thou 
forsake  me?  or  if  thou  do  not  that  which  I  desire, 
what  can  I  justly  say  against  it  ? 

Surely  this  I  may  truly  think  and  say :  Lord,  I  am 
nothing,  I  can  do  nothing,  I  have  nothing  that  is 
good  of  myself,  but  in  all  things  I  am  wanting,  and 
do  ever  tend  to  nothing. 

And  unless  thou  help  me,  and  inwardly  instruct 
me,  I  must  become  altogether  lukewarm  and  careless. 

2.  But  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  always  the  same,  and 
endurest  for  ever,^  always  good,  just,  and  holy,  doing 
all  things  well,  justly,  and  holily,  and  disposing  all 
things  with  wisdom. 

But  I,  that  am  more  ready  to  go  backward  than 
forward, do  not  ever  continue  in  one  estate, for  "seven 
times  are  passed  over  me."^ 

Yet  it  is  soon  better  with  me,  when  it  so  pleaseth 
thee,  and  when  thou  vouchsafest  to  stretch  forth  thy 
helping  hand ;  for  thou  canst  help  me  alone  without 
human  aid,  and  canst  so  strengthen  me,  that  my 
countenance  shall  be  no  more  changed,  but  my  heart 
shall  be  turned  to  thee  alone,  and  be  at  rest. 


*  Psalm  viii.  4.     *  Psalm  cii.  12.     ^j^an.  iv.  16,  23,  32. 


3.  Wherefore,  if  I  could  once  perfectly  cast  off  all 
human  comfort,  either  for  the  attainment  of  devotion, 
or  because  of  mine  own  necessities  enforcing  me  to 
seek  after  thee  (because  that  no  mortal  man  could 
comfort  me),  then  might  I  well  hope  in  thy  grace,  and 
rejoice  for  the  gift  of  fresh  consolation. 

4.  Thanks  be  unto  thee,  from  whom  ail  things 
proceed,  whensoever  it  is  well  with  me. 

But  I  am  in  thy  sight  mere  vanity  and  nothing,  a 
man  weak,  and  never  continuing  in  one  stay. 

Whereof  then  can  I  glory.'*  or  for  what  do  1  desire 
to  be  respected  ?  is  it  for  that  I  am  nothing  ?  yet  this 
is  most  vain. 

Mere  empty  glory  is  in  truth  an  evil  pest,  a  very 
great  vanity;  because  it  draweth  a  man  from  true 
glory,  and  robbeth  him  of  heavenly  grace. 

For  whilst  he  pleaseth  himself,  he  displeaseth  thee; 
whilst  he  gapeth  after  the  praise  of  men,  he  is  de- 
prived of  true  virtues. 

5.  But  the  true  glory  and  holy  exultation  is  for  a 
man  to  glory  in  thee,^  and  not  in  himself;  to  rejoice  in 
thy  name,  not  in  his  own  strength,  and  not  to  delight 
in  any  creature  but  for  thy  sake. 

Praised  be  thy  Name,  not  mine ;  magnified  be  thy 
work,  not  mine.  Let  thy  holy  Name  be  blessed,  but 
to  me  let  no  part  of  men's  praises  be  given.^ 

Thou  art  my  glory,  thou  art  the  joy  of  my  heart. 

In  thee  will  I  glory  and  rejoice  all  the  day,  but  as 
for  myself,  I  will  not  glory,  but  in  my  infirmities. 

6.  Let  the  Jews  seek  honor  one  of  another,^  I  will 
seek  that  which  cometh  from  God  alone. 


^  Hab.  iii.  18.     ®  Psalm  cxiii.  3  ;  cxv.  i.     ^  John  v.  14. 


186       m  imittg  &mtmvt  ^xxfiUt 


For  all  human  glory,  all  temporal  honor,  all  worldly 
height,  compared  to  thy  eternal  glory,  is  vanity  and 
folly. 

O  my  God,  my  Truth,  and  my  Mercy,  O  Blessed 
Trinity,  to  thee  alone  be  praise,  honor,  power,  and 
glory  for  ever  and  ever. 

CHAPTER  XLI. 

Of  the  Contempt  of  all  Temporal  Honor, 

IITY  son,  trouble  not  thyself,  if  thou  see  others  hon- 
ored  and  advanced,  whilst  thou  art  contemned 
and  debased. 

Lift  up  thy  heart  into  heaven  to  me,  and  the  con- 
tempt of  men  on  earth  shall  not  grieve  thee. 

Lord,  we  are  blind,  and  are  quickly  misled  by 
vanity. 

If  I  look  rightly  into  myself,  I  cannot  say  that  any 
creature  hath  ever  done  me  wrong;  and  therefore  I 
cannot  justly  complain  before  thee. 

2.  But  because  I  have  often  and  grievously  sinned 
against  thee,  all  creatures  do  justly  take  arms  against 
me. 

Unto  me,  therefore,  shame  and  contempt  is  justly 
due,  but  unto  thee  praise,  honor,  and  glory. 

And  unless  I  prepare  myself  with  cheerful  willing- 
ness to  be  despised  and  forsaken  of  all  creatures,  and 
to  be  esteemed  altogether  nothing,  I  cannot  obtain 
inward  peace  and  stability,  nor  be  spiritually  enlight- 
ened, nor  be  fully  united  unto  thee. 


CHAPTER  XLII. 

T/iaf  our  Peace  is  not  to  be  set  on  Men, 

jVlY  son,  if  thou  rest  thy  peace  on  any  because  of  the 
opinion  which  thou  hast  of  him,  or  because  of 
thine  intimate  acquaintance  with  him,  thou  shalt  ever 
be  inconstant  and  enthralled. 

But  if  thou  have  recourse  unto  the  ever-living  and 
abiding  Truth,  the  departure  or  death  of  a  friend 
shall  not  grieve  thee. 

Thy  regard  for  thy  friend  ought  to  be  grounded  in 
me ;  and  for  my  sake  is  he  to  be  beloved,  whosoever 
he  be  that  thou  thinkest  well  of,  and  who  is  very  dear 
unto  thee  in  this  life. 

Without  me  friendship  hath  no  strength,  and  no 
continuance ;  neither  is  that  love  true  and  pure,  which 
is  not  knit  by  me. 

Thou  oughtest  to  be  so  dead  to  such  affections 
towards  thy  friends,  that  (as  much  as  appertaineth 
unto  thee)  thou  shouldst  be  willing  to  be  without  all 
human  friendship. 

Man  approacheth  so  much  the  nearer  unto  God, 
the  farther  he  departeth  from  all  earthly  comfort. 

And  the  lower  he  descendeth  in  himself,  and  the 
meaner  he  becometh  in  his  own  sight,  the  higher  he 
ascendeth  towards  God. 

But  he  that  attributeth  any  good  unto  himself,  hin- 
dereth  the  entry  of  God's  grace ;  for  the  grace  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  ever  seeketh  an  humble  heart.^ 


*  I  Pet.  v.  5. 


188      m  ^nmU&p  Wnin  m&  ^tm. 


If  thou  knewest  perfectly  to  annihilate  thyself,  and 
to  empty  thyself  of  all  created  love,  then  should  I  be 
constrained  to  flow  into  thee  with  great  abundance  of 
grace. 

When  thou  hast  regard  unto  creatures,  the  sight  of 
the  Creator  is  withdrawn  from  thee. 

Learn  in  all  things  to  overcome  thyself,  for  the 
love  of  thy  Creator,  and  then  shalt  thou  be  able  to 
attain  to  divine  knowledge. 

How  small  soever  anything  be,  if  it  be  inordinately 
loved  and  regarded,  it  keepeth  thee  back  from  the 
highest  good,  and  defileth  the  soul. 

CHAPTER  XLIII. 

Agamst  Vain  and  Secular  Knowledge. 

IViY  son,  let  not  the  sayings  of  men  move  thee,  how- 
ever  fair  and  ingenious  they  may  be.   "  For  the 
kingdom  of   God   consisteth  not  in  word,  but  in 
power."  1 

Observe  well  my  words,  for  they  inflame  the  heart, 
and  enlighten  the  mind ;  they  cause  compunction,  and 
carry  with  them  many  a  consolation. 

Never  read  the  word  of  God  in  order  to  appear 
more  learned  or  more  wise. 

Be  studious  for  the  mortification  of  thy  sins  ;  for 
this  will  profit  thee  more  than  the  knowledge  of  many 
difiicult  questions. 

2.    When  thou  shalt  have  read  and  known  many 


'  I  Cor.  iv.  2o. 


m  W^mxvUAp  ¥mw  mxA  Wxnt.  189 


things,  thou  oughtest  ever  to  return  to  the  one  be- 
ginning and  principle. 

I  am  He  that  teacheth  man  knowledge;  and  I  give 
unto  little  children  a  clearer  understanding  than  can 
be  taught  by  man. 

He  therefore,  to  whom  I  speak,  shall  quickly  be 
wise,  and  shall  profit  much  in  the  Spirit. 

Woe  be  to  them  that  enquire  many  curious  things 
of  men,  and  little  care  about  the  way  of  serving  me ! 

The  time  will  come,  when  the  Master  of  masters 
shall  appear,  Christ  the  Lord  of  angels,  to  hear  the 
lessons  of  all,  that  is,  to  examine  the  consciences  of 
every  one. 

And  then  will  he  search  Jerusalem  with  candles ; 
and  the  hidden  things  of  darkness  shall  be  laid  open,^ 
and  the  arguings  of  men's  tongues  shall  be  silent. 

3.  I  am  he  who  in  one  instant  do  raise  up  the 
humble  mind,  so  that  a  man  shall  understand  more 
reasonings  of  eternal  truth,  than  if  he  had  studied 
ten  years  in  the  schools. 

I  teach  without  noise  of  words,  without  confusion 
of  opinions,  without  the  desire  of  honor,  without 
bandying  of  arguments. 

I  am  he  who  instructeth  men  to  despise  earthly 
things,  to  loathe  things  present,  to  seek  things  heav- 
enly, to  relish  things  eternal,  to  flee  honors,  to  en- 
dure offences,  to  place  all  hope  in  me,  out  of  me  to 
desire  nothing,  and  above  all  things  ardently  to  love 
me. 

4.  A  certain  one  by  loving  me  entirely,  became 


"Zeph.  io  12;  I  Cor.  iv.  5. 


190     m  mmm  ^<if-inttt»san«. 


instructed  in  divine  things,  and  was  wont  to  speak 
that  which  was  admirable. 

He  profiteth  more  by  forsaking  all  things,  than  by 
studying  subtleties. 

But  to  some  men  I  speak  common  things,  to  others 
things  uncommon ;  to  some  I  appear  sweetly  by 
signs  and  figures,  but  to  some  I  reveal  mysteries 
with  much  light. 

The  voice  of  books  is  indeed  one,  but  it  instructs 
not  all  alike ;  for  I  am  the  teacher  of  the  truth 
within,  I  am  the  searcher  of  the  heart,  the  discerner 
of  the  thoughts,  the  mover  of  actions,  distributing  to 
every  man  as  I  judge  meet. 

CHAPTER  XLIV. 

Of  not  attractmg  to  Ourselves  Outward  Things, 

lyiY  son,  in  many  things  it  is  thy  duty  to  be  igno- 
rant,   and  to   esteem  thyself  as   dead  upon 
earth,  and  as  one  to  whom  the  whole  world  is  cru- 
cified.^ 

Thou  must  also  pass  by  many  things  with  a  deaf 
ear,  and  rather  think  of  those  which  belong  unto  thy 
peace. 

It  is  more  useful  to  turn  away  one's  eyes  from  un- 
pleasing  things,  and  to  leave  every  one  to  his  own 
opinion,  than  to  be  a  slave  to  contentious  discourses. 

If  all  stand  well  betwixt  thee  and  God,  and  if  thou 
hast  his  judgment  in  thy  mind,  thou  shalt  the  more 
easily  endure  to  be  overcome. 


'  Gal.  vi.  i4» 


2.  O  Lord,  to  what  a  pass  are  we  come  !  Behold, 
we  bewail  a  temporal  loss :  for  a  pitiful  gain  we  toi 
and  run;  and  the  spiritual  losses  of  our  soul  are  for- 
gotten, and  hardly  at  last  return  to  the  memory. 

That  which  little  or  nothing  profiteth  we  heed  ;  and 
that  which  is  especially  necessary,  we  slightly  pass 
over;  because  the  whole  man  doth  slide  off  into  out* 
ward  things ;  and  unless  he  speedily  repent,  he  set^ 
tleth  down  in  them,  and  that  wiUingly. 


T/ia^  Credit  is  not  to  be  given  to  All :  and  that 
Man  is  prone  to  offetid  in  Words, 

"^RANT  me  help,  O  Lord,  in  tribulation,  for  vain  is 


How  often  have  I  been  deceived,  finding  want  of 
faithfulness  where  I  thought  myself  sure ! 

And  how  often  have  I  found  it,  where  beforehand  I 
least  expected  it. 

It  is  in  vain  therefore  to  trust  in  men,  but  the  sal- 
vation of  the  righteous  is  of  thee,  O  God  ! 

Blessed  be  thou,  O  Lord  my  God,  in  all  things  that 
befall  us. 

We  are  weak  and  unstable ;  we  are  quickly  deceived, 
and  soon  changed. 

2.  Who  is  he,  that  is  able  in  all  things  so  warily 
and  circumspectly  to  keep  himself,  as  never  to  fall  into 
any  deceit  or  perplexity  ? 


CHAPTER  XLV. 


'  Psalm  Ix.  1 1. 


192     m  Wvmim  too  f  ajstilj}. 


But  he  that  trusteth  in  thee,  O  Lord,  and  seeketh 
thee  with  a  single  heart,  doth  not  so  easily  fall.^ 

And  if  he  do  fall  into  any  tribulation,  be  he  never 
so  much  entangled,  yet  he  shall  quickly  either  through 
thee  be  delivered,  or  by  thee  be  comforted;  for  thou 
wilt  not  forsake  him  that  trusteth  in  thee,  even  to  the 
end. 

A  friend  is  rarely  to  be  found  that  continueth  faith- 
ful in  all  his  friend's  distresses. 

Thou,  O  Lord,  even  thou  alone  art  most  faithful  at 
all  times,  and  there  is  none  like  unto  thee. 

3.  O  how  wise  was  that  holy  soul  that  said,  "  My 
mind  is  firmly  settled  and  grounded  in  Christ," 

If  it  were  so  with  me,  then  would  not  human  fear 
easily  vex  me,  nor  the  darts  of  words  move  me. 

Who  can  foresee  all  things  ?  who  is  able  to  beware 
beforehand  of  evils  to  come  ?  If  things  even  foreseen 
do  oftentimes  hurt  us,  how  can  things  unlooked  for  do 
otherwise  than  wound  us  grievously  ? 

But  wretched  that  I  am,  why  did  I  not  provide 
better  for  myself.^  why  also  have  I  so  easily  trusted 
others  ? 

But  we  are  men,  nothing  else  but  frail  men,  al- 
though by  many  we  may  be  reputed  and  called 
angels. 

To  whom  shall  I  give  credit,  O  Lord.^  to  whom 
but  to  thee  ?  thou  art  the  truth,  which  neither  doth 
deceive,  nor  can  be  deceived. 

And  on  the  other  side,  ''every  man  is  a  liar,"^ 
weak,  inconstant,  and  subject  to  fall,  especially  in 


*  Prov.  X.  29. 


^  Rom.  iii.  4 


words;  and  therefore  we  must  not  immediately  give 
credit  to  that  which  in  the  outward  show  seemeth  at 
the  first  to  sound  aright. 

4.  O  with  what  wisdom  hast  thou  warned  us  to 
beware  of  men;  and,  because  a  man's  foes  are  they  of 
his  own  household,^  not  forthwith  to  believe  if  one 
should  say,  Lo  here,  or  Lo  there. 

My  hurt  has  been  my  instructor,  and  O  that  I  might 
thereby  increase  my  caution,  and  not  my  folly. 

Be  wary,"  saith  one,  "be  wary,  keep  to  thyself 
what  I  tell  thee;''  and  whilst  I  hold  my  peace,  and 
think  it  is  secret,  he  cannot  himself  keep  that  which 
he  desired  me  to  keep,  but  presently  betrayeth  both 
me  and  himself,  and  is  gone. 

From  such  tales  and  such  indiscreet  persons  pro- 
tect me,  O  Lord,  that  I  neither  fall  into  their  hands, 
nor  ever  commit  such  things  myself. 

Grant  me  to  observe  truth  and  constancy  in  my 
words,  and  remove  far  from  me  a  crafty  tongue. 

What  I  am  not  willing  to  suffer  in  others,  I  ought 
by  all  means  to  avoid  myself. 

5.  O  how  good  is  it,  and  how  it  tendeth  to  peace, 
to  be  silent  about  other  men,  and  not  to  believe  at 
random  all  that  is  said,  nor  eagerly  to  report  what  we 
have  heard.2 

How  good  it  is  to  lay  one's  self  open  to  few,  and 
always  to  be  seeking  after  thee  who  art  the  searcher 
of  the  heart.^ 

Nor  should  we  be  carried  about  with  every  wind 
of  words,  but  we  should  desire  that  all  things,  both 


'  Mic.  vii.  6.        ^  Prov.  xxv.  9.       ^  Isaiah  xxvi.  3. 


194  xmxvxn^  ^ixlnmnk^  mxaU. 


within  and  without,  be  accomplished  according  to  the 
pleasure  of  thy  will. 

How  safe  is  it,  for  the  keeping  of  heavenly  grace, 
to  avoid  appearances,  and  not  to  seek  those  things 
that  seem  to  cause  admiration  abroad,  but  to  follow 
with  all  diligence  the  things  which  bring  amendment 
of  life,  and  zeal. 

6.  To  how  many  hath  virtue  itself,  known  and  over 
hastily  commended,  been  hurtful ! 

How  profitable  hath  grace  been  when  preserved  in 
silence  in  this  frail  life,  which  is  temptation  and  war- 
fare ! 

CHAPTER  XLVL 

Oy  putting  our  Trust  in  God  when  Evil  Words 
arise, 

IViY  son,  stand  steadily,  and  put  thy  trust  in  me;* 
for  what  are  words,  but  words  1 

They  fly  through  the  air,  but  hurt  not  the  rock. 

If  thou  be  guilty,  see  that  thou  be  willing  to  amend 
thyself ;  if  conscience  reproach  thee  not,  resolve  to 
suffer  willingly  for  God's  sake. 

It  is  but  a  small  matter  to  suffer  sometimes  a  few 
words,  if  thou  hast  not  yet  the  courage  to  endure  hard 
stripes. 

And  why  do  such  small  matters  go  to  thy  heart, 
but  because  thou  art  yet  carnal,  and  regardest  men 
more  than  thou  oughtest  1 

For  because  thou  art  afraid  to  be  despised,  there- 


'  Psalm  xxxvii.  3. 


(^f  xmxvxns  ^nlnmnufi  Might 


195 


fore  thou  art  not  willing  to  be  reproved  for  thy  faults, 
but  seekest  the  shelter  of  excuses. 

2.  But  look  better  into  thyself,  and  thou  shalt  ac- 
knowledge that  the  world  is  yet  alive  in  thee,  and  a 
vain  desire  to  please  men. 

For  when  thou  shunnest  to  be  abased  and  reproved 
for  thy  faults,  it  is  evident  that  thou  art  neither  truly 
humble,  nor  truly  dead  to  the  world,  nor  the  world 
crucified  to  thee. 

But  give  diligent  ear  to  my  words,  and  thou  shalt 
not  regard  ten  thousand  words  spoken  by  men. 

Behold,  if  all  should  be  spoken  against  thee  that 
could  be  most  maliciously  invented,  what  would  it 
hurt  thee,  if  thou  sufferedst  it  to  pass  entirely  away, 
and  madest  no  more  reckoning  of  it  than  of  a  mote  ? 
could  it  pluck  so  much  as  one  hair  from  thy  head.^*^ 

3.  But  he  that  hath  no  heart  within  him,  and  hath 
not  God  before  his  eyes,  is  easily  moved  with  a  word 
of  dispraise. 

Whereas  he  that  trusteth  in  me,  and  hath  no  wish 
to  trust  in  his  own  judgment,  shall  be  free  from  the 
fear  of  men. 

For  I  am  the  judge  2  and  the  discerner  of  all  se- 
crets :  I  know  how  the  matter  was ;  I  know  him  that 
offered  the  injury,  and  him  that  suffered  it. 

From  me  hath  this  proceeded ;  this  hath  happened 
by  my  permission,  that  the  thoughts  of  many  hearts 
might  be  revealed.^ 

I  shall  judge  the  guilty,  and  the  innocent;  but  by  a 
secret  judgment  I  would  beforehand  prove  them  both. 

*  Matt.  X.  305  Luke  xii.  7.    ^  Psalm  vii.  8.    ^  Luke  ii.  35. 


196  tmiving  (ilix\mnxt»  MsU. 


4.  The  testimony  of  men  oftentimes  deceiveth; 
but  my  judgment  is  true ;  it  shall  stand  and  not  be 
overthrown. 

It  is  commonly  hidden,  and  not  known  in  all  re- 
spects, but  to  few:  notwithstanding  it  never  erreth, 
neither  can  it  err,  although  to  the  eyes  of  the  foolish 
it  seemeth  not  right. 

Men  ought  therefore  to  have  recourse  to  me  in 
every  judgment,  and  not  to  lean  on  their  own  opinion. 

For  the  just  man  will  not  be  moved,^  whatsoever 
befalleth  him  from  God;  and  if  any  unjust  charge  be 
brought  against  him,  he  will  not  be  much  troubled. 

Neither  will  he  rejoice  with  a  foolish  exultation,  if 
by  means  of  others  he  be  reasonably  vindicated. 

For  he  considereth  that  I  am  he  that  searcheth  the 
heart  and  reins,^  and  judgeth  not  according  to  the 
outside,  nor  according  to  human  appearance. 

For  that  oftentimes  in  my  sight  is  found  worthy  of 
blame,  which  in  the  judgment  of  men  is  thought  to 
be  commendable. 

O  Lord  God,  the  just  judge,  strong  and  patient, 
thou  who  knowest  the  frailty  and  wickedness  of  men, 
be  thou  my  strength,  and  all  my  trust,  for  mine  own 
conscience  sufficeth  me  not. 

Although  I  know  nothing  against  myself,^  yet  I 
cannot  hereby  justify  myself ;  for,  without  thy  mercy, 
in  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living  be  justified.* 


'  Prov.  xii.  13.  3  I  Cor.  iv.  4. 

^  Psalm  vii.  9;  Rev.  ii.  23.  *  Psalm  cxliii.  2. 


CHAPTER  XLVII. 

T/taf  all  Grievous  Things  are  to  he  endured  for 
the  Sake  of  Eternal  Life, 

MY  son,  be  not  dismayed  by  the  painful  labors  which 
thou  hast  undertaken  for  me,  neither  be  thou 
utterly  cast  down  because  of  any  tribulations  which 
befall  thee ;  but  let  my  promise  strengthen  and  com- 
fort thee  in  all  events. 

I  am  able  to  reward  thee  above  all  measure  and 
degree. 

Thou  shalt  not  long  toil  here,  and  shalt  not  always 
be  oppressed  with  grief. 

Wait  a  little  while,  and  thou  shalt  see  a  speedy  end 
of  thine  evils. 

There  will  come  an  hour  when  all  labor  and  trouble 
shall  cease. 

Poor  and  brief  is  all  that  which  passeth  away  with 
time. 

2.  Do  with  thy  might  what  thou  doest ;  labor  faith- 
fully in  my  vineyard ;  ^  I  will  be  thy  reward. 

Write,  read,  mourn,  keep  silence,  pray,  suffer 
crosses  manfully;  life  everlasting  is  worthy  of  all 
these,  yea,  and  of  greater  combats. 

Peace  shall  come  in  the  day  which  is  known  unto 
the  Lord,  and  it  shall  be  neither  day  nor  night,^  such 
as  now  is,  but  everlasting  light,  infinite  brightness, 
steadfast  peace,  and  secure  rest. 


*  Matt.  XX.  7. 


^  Zech.  xiv.  7 . 


198        m  ^iu  mtximim^ 


Then  thou  shalt  not  say,  "Who  shall  deliver  me 
from  the  body  of  this  death? nor  cry,  "Woe  is  me, 
that  I  sojourn  in  Mesech!"^  for  death  shall  be  cast 
down  headlong,  and  there  shall  be  salvation  which 
cannot  fail :  there  shall  be  no  more  anxious  thoughts, 
but  blessed  joy^  sweet  and  lovely  company. 

3.  O  if  thou  hadst  seen  the  everlasting  crowns  of 
the  saints  in  heaven,^  and  with  how  great  glory  they 
now  rejoice,  who  in  times  past  were  contemptible  to 
this  world,  and  esteemed  unworthy  of  life  itself ;  truly 
thou  wouldst  presently  humble  thyself  even  unto 
the  dust,  and  wouldst  rather  seek  to  be  under  the 
feet  of  all,  than  to  have  command  so  much  as  over 
vone. 

Neither  wouldst  thou  desire  the  pleasant  days  of 
this  life,  but  rather  wouldst  rejoice  to  suffer  affliction 
for  God,  and  esteem  it  thy  greatest  gain  to  be  reputed 
as  nothing  amongst  men. 

4.  O  if  thou  hadst  a  relishing  of  these  things,  and 
didst  suffer  them  to  sink  into  the  bottom  of  thy  heart, 
how  couldst  thou  so  much  as  once  complain  ? 

Are  not  all  painful  labors  to  be  endured  for  the  sake 
of  life  eternal  ? 

It  is  no  small  matter  to  lose  or  to  gain  the  kingdom 
of  God. 

Lift  up  thy  face  therefore  unto  heaven;  behold,  I 
and  all  my  saints  with  me,  who  in  this  world  had  great 
conflicts,  do  now  rejoice,  are  now  comforted,  now 
secure,  now  at  rest,  and  they  shall  remain  with  me 
everlastingly  in  the  kingdom  of  my  Father. 

*Rom.  vii.  24.     ^  Psalm  cxx.  5.     ^^Yig^j,  jji,         y.  16. 


tixt  "^ixppxu^^  0j  ^mtn.  199 


CHAPTER  XLVIII. 

Of  the  Day  of  Eternity^  and  this  Life's 
Straitnesses, 

OMOST  blessed  mansion  of  the  city  which  is 
above !  ^  O  most  clear  day  of  eternity,  which 
night  obscureth  not,  but  the  highest  truth  ever  en- 
lighteneth !  O  day  ever  joyful,  ever  secure,  and 
never  changing  into  a  contrary  state  ! 

O  that  that  day  would  once  appear,  and  that  all 
these  temporal  things  were  at  an  end  ! 

To  the  saints  it  shineth,  glowing  with  everlasting 
brightness,  but  to  those  that  are  pilgrims  on  the 
earth,  it  appeareth  only  afar  off,  and  as  it  were 
through  a  glass. 

2.  The  citizens  of  heaven  do  know  how  joyful 
that  day  is ;  but  the  banished  children  of  Eve  bewail 
the  bitterness  and  tediousness  of  this. 

The  days  of  this  life  are  short  and  evil,^  full  of 
sorrow  and  straitnesses. 

Here  a  man  is  defiled  with  many  sins,  ensnared 
with  many  passions,  held  fast  by  many  fears,  racked 
with  many  cares,  distracted  with  many  curiosities, 
entangled  with  many  vanities,  compassed  about  with 
many  errors,  worn  with  many  labors,  burdened  with 
temptations,  enervated  by  pleasures,  tormented  with 
want. 

3.  O  when  shall  these  evils  be  at  an  end?  when 


*  Rev.  xxi.  2. 


*Job  vii. 


200 


shall  I  be  delivered  from  the  miserable  bondage  of 
my  sins  ?^  when  shall  I  be  mindful,  O  Lord,  of  thee 
alone ?2  when  shall  I  fully  rejoice  in  thee? 

When  shall  I  enjoy  true  liberty  without  any  hin- 
drances, without  any  trouble  of  mind  and  body  ? 

When  shall  I  have  solid  peace,  peace  secure  and 
undisturbed,  peace  within  and  peace  without,  peace 
every  way  assured  ? 

O  merciful  Jesu,  when  shall  I  stand  to  behold 
thee?  when  shall  I  contemplate  the  glory  of  thy 
kingdom?  when  wilt  thou  be  unto  me  all  in  all? 

0  when  shall  I  be  with  thee  in  thy  kingdom,  which  thou 
hast  prepared  for  thy  beloved  from  all  eternity  ? 

1  am  left,  a  poor  and  banished  man,  in  the  land  of 
mine  enemies,  where  there  are  daily  wars  and  great 
calamities. 

4.  Comfort  my  banishment,  assuage  my  sorrow;  for  my 
whole  desire  sigheth  after  thee. 

For  all  is  burdensome  to  me,  whatsoever  this  world 
offereth  for  my  consolation. 

I  long  to  enjoy  thee  in  my  inmost  soul,  but  I  cannot 
attain  unto  it. 

My  desire  is,  that  I  may  be  wholly  given  up  to  things 
heavenly,  but  temporal  things  and  unmortified  passions 
weigh  me  down. 

With  the  mind  I  wish  to  be  above  all  things,  but 
with  the  flesh  I  am  enforced  against  my  will  to  be 
beneath  all. 

Thus,  unhappy  man  that  I  am,^  I  fight  against 
myself,  and  am  become  grievous  to  myself,  whilst 


'  Rom.  vii.  24.     =  Psalm  Ixxi.  16.     ^  Rom.  vii.  24;  viii.  23. 


my  spirit  seeketh  to  be  above,  and  my  flesh  to  be 
below. 

5.  O  what  do  I  inwardly  suffer,  whilst  in  my  mind 
I  dwell  on  things  heaventy,  and  presently  in  my 
prayers  a  multitude  of  carnal  fancies  rise  up  to  me  ! 
O  my  God,  be  not  thou  far  from  me,  nor  turn  away  in 
wrath  from  thy  servant.^ 

Cast  forth  thy  lightning  and  disperse  them ;  shoot 
out  thine  arrows,  and  let  all  the  imaginations  of  the 
enemy  be  confounded. 

Gather  in  and  call  home  my  senses  unto  thee; 
make  me  to  forget  all  worldly  things ;  enable  me  to 
cast  away  speedily,  and  to  despise  all  the  imaginations 
of  wickedness. 

Succor  me,  O  thou  the  everlasting  truth,  that  no 
vanity  may  move  me. 

Come  to  me,  thou  heavenly  sweetness,  and  let  all 
impurity  flee  from  before  thy  face. 

Pardon  me  also,  and  in  mercy  deal  gently  with 
me,  as  often  as  in  prayer  I  think  on  aught  beside 
thee. 

I  must  truly  confess,  that  I  am  wont  to  be  subject 
to  many  distractions. 

For  oftentimes  I  am  not  there,  where  I  stand  or  sit, 
but  rather  I  am  there,  whither  my  thoughts  do  carry 
me. 

Where  my  thoughts  are,  there  am  I ;  and  commonly 
there  are  my  thoughts,  where  my  affection  is. 

That  too  readily  occurs  to  me,  which  is  by  nature 
delightful,  or  by  custom  is  pleasing. 

6.  And  for  this  cause,  thou  that  art  truth  itself 


'  Psalm  Ixxi.  1 2. 


202  m  m  ^mxfnx  Mmm'^  iwm. 


hast  plainly  said,  Where  thy  treasure  is,  there  will  thy 
heart  be  also.^ 

If  I  love  heaven,  I  willingly  muse  on  heavenly 
things. 

If  I  love  the  world,  I  rejoice  at  the  felicity  of  the 
world,  and  grieve  for  the  adversity  thereof. 

If  I  love  the  flesh,  I  shall  fancy  oftentimes  those 
things  that  are  pleasing  to  the  flesh. 

If  I  love  the  Spirit,  I  shall  delight  to  think  on 
things  spiritual. 

For  whatsoever  I  love,  thereof  do  I  willingly  speak 
and  hear,  and  carry  home  with  me  the  images 
thereof. 

But  blessed  is  the  man,^  who  for  thy  sake,  O  Lord, 
is  willing  to  part  with  all  creatures,  who  does  violence 
to  his  nature,  and  through  fervor  of  Spirit  crucifieth 
the  lusts  of  the  flesh;  that  so  with  a  serene  con- 
science he  may  offer  pure  prayers  unto  thee,  and,  all 
earthly  things  both  outwardly  and  inwardly  being 
excluded,  he  may  be  meet  to  be  admitted  into  the 
angelical  choirs. 

CHAPTER  XLIX. 

0/  the  Desire  of  Everlasting  Life,  and  Jiow  Great 
Rewards  are  pro7nised  to  those  that  strive  reso- 
lutely, 

IV/fY  son,  when  thou  perceivest  the  desire  of  ever- 
lasting  bliss  to  be  given  thee  from  above,  and 
longest  to  depart  out  of  the  tabernacle  of  this  body. 


*  Matt.  vi.  21. 


2  Matt.  xix. 


m  m  ^mmtxl  mxmmx'»  ^tmxL  203 


that  thou  mayest  contemplate  my  brightness  without 
shadow  of  turning ;  open  thy  heart  wide,  and  receive 
this  holy  inspiration  with  thy  whole  desire. 

Give  greatest  thanks  to  the  heavenly  goodness, 
which  treateth  thee  with  such  condescension,  visiting 
thee  mercifully,  stirring  thee  up  fervently,  power- 
fully sustaining  thee,  lest  through  thine  own  weight 
thou  fall  down  to  earthly  things. 

Neither  dost  thou  obtain  this  by  thine  own  thought 
or  endeavor,  but  by  the  mere  condescension  of 
heavenly  grace  and  divine  favor;  to  the  end  that 
thou  mayest  make  further  progress  in  all  virtue,  and 
obtain  greater  humility,  and  prepare  thyself  for  future 
conflicts,  and  endeavor  to  cleave  unto  me  with  the 
whole  affection  of  thy  heart,  and  to  serve  me  with 
fervent  willingness. 

2.  My  son,  oftentimes  the  fire  burneth,  but  the 
flame  ascendeth  not  up  without  smoke. 

So  likewise  the  desires  of  some  men  burn  towards 
heavenly  things,  and  yet  they  are  not  free  from  the 
temptations  of  carnal  affection. 

And  therefore  it  is  not  altogether  purely  for  the 
honor  of  God,  that  they  make  such  earnest  requests 
to  him. 

Such  also  oftentimes  are  thy  desires,  which  thou 
hast  pretended  to  be  so  serious  and  earnest. 

For  those  desires  are  not  pure  and  perfect,  which 
are  tainted  with  self-love. 

3.  Ask  not  for  that  which  is  delightful  and  profit- 
able to  thee,  but  for  that  which  is  acceptable  to  me, 
and  which  tendeth  to  my  honor ;  for  if  thou  judgest 
aright,  thou  oughtest  to  prefer  and  follow  my  ap- 


204  m  tl«  JaithM  mtrnm'^  %tmtL 


pointment,  rather  than  thine  own  desire,  or  anything 
whatever  that  is  to  be  desired. 

I  know  thy  desire,  and  have  heard  thy  frequent 
groanings. 

Now  thou  longest  to  enjoy  the  glorious  liberty  ol 
the  sons  of  God ;  now  dost  thou  delight  in  the  ever 
lasting  habitation,  thy  heavenly  home  full  of  ]oy\ 
but  that  hour  is  not  yet  come ;  there  still  remaineth 
another  time,  and  that  a  time  of  war,i  a  time  oi 
labor  and  of  trial. 

Thou  desirest  to  be  filled  with  the  chiefest  good, 
but  thou  canst  not  attain  it  yet. 

I  AM  he;  wait  thou  for  me  (saith  the  Lord)  until 
the  kingdom  of  God  shall  come. 

4.  Thou  art  still  to  be  tried  upon  earth,  and  to  be 
exercised  in  many  things. 

Comfort  shall  be  sometimes  given  thee,  but  the 
abundant  fulness  thereof  shall  not  be  granted. 

Take  courage  therefore,  and  be  valiant,^  as  well  in 
doing  as  in  suffering  things  contrary  to  nature. 

It  is  thy  duty  to  put  on  the  new  man,^  and  to  be 
changed  into  another  man. 

It  is  thy  duty  oftentimes  to  do  what  thou  wouldst 
not;  thy  duty  to  leave  undone  what  thou  wouldst  do. 

That  which  pleaseth  others  shall  go  well  forward; 
that  which  pleaseth  thee  shall  not  speed. 

That  which  others  say  shall  be  heard ;  what  thou 
sayest  shall  be  accounted  nothing:  others  shall  ask 
and  shall  receive ;  thou  shalt  ask  but  shalt  not  obtain. 


•Job  vii.  I.  ^Joshua  i.  7.         ^Eph.  iv.  24. 


m  tUt  ^mxM  (&Mmm'fi  ^twnxL  205 


5.  Others  shall  be  great  in  the  praise  of  men,  but 
about  thee  there  shall  be  no  word. 

To  others  this  or  that  shall  be  committed,  but  thou 
shalt  be  accounted  a  thing  of  no  use. 

At  this  nature  will  sometimes  be  troubled,  and  it  is 
a  great  thing  if  thou  bear  it  with  silence. 

In  these  and  many  such  like  things,  the  faithful 
servant  of  the  Lord  is  wont  to  be  tried,  how  far  he 
can  deny  and  break  his  will  in  all  things. 

There  is  scarcely  anything  wherein  thou  hast  such 
need  to  die  to  thyself,  as  in  seeing  and  suffering  those 
things  that  are  contrary  to  thy  will;  especially  when 
that  is  commanded  to  be  done,  which  seemeth  unto 
thee  inconvenient,  or  useless. 

And  because  thou  being  under  authority  darest  not 
resist  the  higher  power,  therefore  it  seems  hard  to 
thee  to  walk  at  another's  beck,  and  to  feel  that  thou 
must  give  up  all  thine  own  will. 

6.  But  consider,  my  son,  the  fruit  of  these  labors, 
the  end  near  at  hand,  and  the  reward  exceeding 
great ;  and  thou  wilt  not  grudge  to  bear  them :  rather 
thou  wilt  have  the  strongest  comfort  of  thy  patience. 

For  instead  of  that  little  of  thy  will,  which  now  thou 
so  readily  forsakest,  thou  shalt  always  have  thy  will 
in  heaven. 

Yea,  there  thou  shalt  find  all  that  thou  canst  wish, 
all  that  thou  shalt  be  able  to  desire. 

There  thou  shalt  have  within  thy  reach  all  good, 
without  fear  of  losing  it. 

There  shall  thy  will  be  ever  one  with  me;  it  shall 
not  covet  any  outward  or  selfish  thing. 

There  none  shall  withstand  thee,  no  maw  shall  com- 


206 


(£0mUxt  tot  tJxt  ^mMt. 


plain  of  thee,  no  man  hinder  thee,  nothing  come  in 
thy  way;  but  all  things  thou  canst  desire  shall  be 
there  altogether  present,  and  shall  refresh  thy  whole 
affection,  and  fill  it  up  to  the  brim. 

There  I  will  give  thee  glory  for  the  reproach  which 
here  thou  sufferedst,  the  garment  of  praise  for  heavi- 
ness, for  the  lowest  place  a  kingly  throne  for  ever. 

There  shall  the  fruit  of  obedience  appear,  the  labor 
of  repentance  shall  rejoice,  and  humble  subjection 
shall  be  gloriously  crowned. 

7,  At  present  then  bend  thyself  humbly  under  all, 
and  care  not  who  said  this  or  commanded  it. 

But  take  especial  care,  that  whether  thy  superior, 
or  thine  inferior,  or  thine  equal,  require  anything  of 
thee,  or  do  but  insinuate  their  desire,  thou  take  it  all 
in  good  part,  and  with  a  sincere  will  endeavor  to 
fulfil  it. 

Let  one  seek  this,  another  that ;  let  this  man  glory 
in  this,  the  other  in  that,  and  be  praised  a  thousand, 
thousand  times ;  but  do  thou  rejoice  neither  in  this, 
nor  in  that,  but  in  the  contempt  of  thyself,  and  in  the 
good  pleasure  and  honor  of  me  alone. 

This  is  what  thou  art  to  wish,  that,  whether  it  be  by 
life  or  by  death,  God  may  be  always  glorified  in  thee. 

CHAPTER  L. 

J/oTV  the  Desolate  ought  to  give  up  himself  into  the 
Hands  of  God. 

OLORD  God,  holy  Father,  be  thou  blessed  both 
now  and  for  evermore,  because  as  thou  wilt,  so 
is  it  done,  and  what  thou  doest  is  good. 


(^f  (^mUvt  fox      §mUU.  207 


Let  thy  servant  rejoice  in  thee,  not  in  himself  nor 
in  anything  else ;  for  thou  alone  art  the  true  gladness, 
thou  art  my  hope  and  my  crown,  thou  art  my  joy  and 
my  honor,  O  Lord. 

What  hath  thy  servant,  but  what  he  hath  received 
from  thee,^  even  without  any  merit  of  his  ? 

Thine  are  all  things,  both  what  thou  hast  given,  and 
what  thou  hast  made. 

I  am  poor,  and  in  trouble,  from  my  youth  ;  ^  and 
sometimes  my  soul  is  sorrowful  even  unto  tears; 
sometimes  also  it  is  disturbed  within  itself  by  reason 
of  sufferings  which  hang  over  me. 

2.  I  long  after  the  joy  of  peace,  the  peace  of  thy 
children  I  earnestly  crave,  who  are  fed  by  thee  in  the 
light  of  thy  comfort. 

If  thou  give  peace,  if  thou  pour  into  my  heart  holy 
joy,  the  soul  of  thy  servant  shall  be  full  of  melody, 
and  shall  become  devout  in  thy  praise. 

But  if  thou  withdraw  thyself  (as  many  times  thou 
dost),  he  will  not  be  able  to  run  the  way  of  thy  com- 
mandments ;  but  rather  he  will  bow  his  knees,  and 
smite  his  breast,  because  it  is  not  now  with  him  as  it 
was  in  times  past,  when  thy  candle  shined  upon  his 
head,  and  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings  he  was  pro- 
tected from  the  temptations  which  assaulted  him. 

3.  O  righteous  Father,  and  ever  to  be  praised,  the 
hour  is  come  that  thy  servant  is  to  be  proved. 

O  beloved  Father,  meet  and  right  it  is  that  in  this 
hour  thy  servant  should  suffer  somewhat  for  thy  sake. 

O  Father,  evermore  to  be  honored,  the  hour  is 
come,  which  from  all  eternity  thou  didst  foreknow 


^  I  Cor.  iv.  7. 


^  Psalm  Ixxxviii.  1 5. 


208       m  (&mUtt  Ut  tUxt  §t»oUU. 


should  come ;  that  for  a  short  time  thy  servant  should 
outwardly  be  oppressed,  but  inwardly  should  ever  live 
with  thee. 

That  he  should  be  for  a  little  while  despised,  and 
humbled,  and  in  the  sight  of  men  should  fail,  and  be 
wasted  with  sufferings  and  languors ;  that  he  might 
rise  again  with  thee  in  the  morning  dawn  of  the  new 
light,  and  be  glorified  in  heaven. 

Holy  Father,  thou  hast  so  appointed  it,  and  so  wilt 
have  it ;  and  that  is  fulfilled  which  thyself  hast  com- 
manded. 

4.  For  this  is  a  favor  to  thy  friend,  that  for  love  of 
thee  he  may  suffer  and  be  afflicted  in  the  world,  how 
often  soever  and  by  whom  soever  thou  permittest 
such  trials  to  befall  him. 

Without  thy  counsel  and  providence,  and  without 
cause,  nothing  cometh  to  pass  in  the  earth. 

It  is  good  for  me.  Lord,  that  thou  hast  humbled 
me,i  that  I  may  learn  thy  righteous  judgments,  and 
may  cast  away  all  haughtiness  of  heart,  and  all  pre- 
sumption. 

It  is  profitable  for  me,  that  shame  hath  covered  my 
face,  that  I  may  seek  to  thee  for  consolation  rather 
than  to  men. 

I  have  learned  also  hereby  to  dread  thine  unsearch- 
able judgments,  who  afflictest  the  just  with  the  wicked, 
though  not  without  equity  and  justice. 

5.  I  give  thee  thanks,  for  that  thou  hast  not  spared 
my  sins,  but  hast  worn  me  down  with  bitter  stripes, 
inflicting  sorrows  and  sending  anxieties  upon  me 
within  and  without. 


'  Psalm  cxix.  71. 


m  a^^muxi  ux  m  §muu.  209 


There  is  none  else  under  heaven  who  can  comfort 
me,  but  thou  only,  O  Lord  my  God,  the  heavenly 
physician  of  souls,  who  woundest  and  healest,  who 
bringest  down  to  hell  and  bringest  back  again.^ 

Thy  discipline  shall  be  over  me,  and  thy  rod  itself 
shall  instruct  me. 

6.  Behold,  O  beloved  Father,  I  am  in  thy  hands,  I 
bow  myself  under  the  rod  of  thy  correction. 

Strike  my  back  and  my  neck  too,  that  my  crooked- 
ness may  be  conformed  to  thy  will. 

Make  me  a  dutiful  and  humble  disciple  of  thine  (as 
thou  hast  been  wont  to  do  me  good),  that  I  may  be 
ready  at  every  beck  of  thy  divine  pleasure. 

Unto  thee  I  commend  myself  and  all  mine  to  be 
corrected  :  it  is  better  to  be  punished  here  than  here- 
after. 

Thou  knowest  all  and  everything,  and  there  is 
nothing  in  the  conscience  of  man  which  can  be  hid- 
den from  thee. 

Before  anything  is  done,  thou  knowest  that  it  will 
come  to  pass,  and  hast  no  need  that  any  should  teach 
thee,  or  admonish  thee  of  those  things  which  are  be- 
ing done  on  the  earth. 

Thou  knowest  what  is  expedient  for  my  spiritual 
progress,  and  how  greatly  tribulation  serves  to  scour 
off  the  rust  of  my  sins. 

Do  with  me  according  to  thy  good  pleasure,  and 
disdain  me  not  for  my  sinful  life,  known  to  none  so 
thoroughly  and  clearly  as  to  thee  alone. 

7.  Grant  me,  O  Lord,  to  know  that  which  is  worth 


*Tob.  xiii.  2;  Psalm  xviii.  16. 


210  (^f  ^omUxt  in  ^utnW  (^mpU^mtnt». 


knowing,  to  love  that  which  is  worth  loving,  to  praise 
that  which  pleaseth  thee  most,  to  esteem  that  highly 
which  to  thee  is  precious,  to  abhor  that  which  in  thy 
sight  is  filthy  and  unclean. 

Suffer  me  not  to  judge  according  to  the  sight  of  the 
eyes,  nor  to  give  sentence  according  to  the  hearing  of 
the  ears  of  ignorant  men :  but  with  a  true  judgment 
to  discern  between  things  visible  and  spiritual,  and 
above  all  to  be  ever  searching  after  the  good  pleasure 
of  thy  will. 

8.  The  minds  of  men  are  often  deceived  in  their 
judgments ;  the  lovers  of  the  world  too  are  deceived 
in  loving  only  things  visible. 

What  is  a  man  ever  the  better,  for  being  esteemed 
great  by  man  ? 

The  deceitful  in  flattering  the  deceitful,  the  vain 
man  in  extolling  the  vain,  the  blind  in  commending 
the  blind,  the  weak  in  magnifying  the  weak,  deceiveth 
him;  and  in  truth  doth  rather  put  him  to  shame, 
while  he  so  vainly  praiseth  him. 

For  what  every  one  is  in  thy  sight,  that  is  he,  and 
no  more. 

CHAPTER  LI. 

T/iaf  a  Man  ought  to  employ  himself  in  Works  of 
Humility^  when  Strength  is  wanting  for  Higher 
Employment, 

AyTY  son,  thou  art  not  able  always  to  continue  in 
the  more  fervent  desire  of  virtue,  nor  to  persist 
in  the  higher  pitch  of  contemplation;  but  thou  must 


C^f  (SomUxi  in  i^umftU  (Bta^U^mnt^.  211 


needs  sometimes,  by  reason  of  original  corruption, 
descend  to  inferior  things,  and  bear  the  burden  of 
this  corruptible  life,  though  against  thy  will,  and  with 
wearisomeness. 

As  long  as  thou  earnest  a  mortal  body,  thou  shalt 
feel  weariness  and  heaviness  of  heart. 

Thou  oughtest  therefore  in  the  flesh  oftentimes  to 
bewail  the  burden  of  the  flesh;  for  that  thou  canst 
not  employ  thyself  unceasingly  in  spiritual  studies 
and  divine  contemplation. 

2.  Then  it  is  expedient  for  thee  to  flee  to  humble 
and  outward  works,  and  to  refresh  thyself  with  good 
actions,  to  await  with  a  firm  confidence  my  coming 
and  heavenly  visitation,  to  bear  patiently  thy  banish- 
ment and  the  dryness  of  thy  mind,  till  I  shall  again 
visit  thee,  and  set  thee  free  from  all  anxieties. 

For  I  will  cause  thee  to  forget  thy  painful  toils,  and 
to  enjoy  thorough  inward  quietness. 

I  will  spread  open  before  thee  the  pleasant  fields  of 
holy  scripture,  that  with  an  enlarged  heart  thou  may- 
est  begin  to  run  the  way  of  my  commandments. 

And  thou  shalt  say,  "  The  sufferings  of  this  present 
time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory 
that  shall  be  revealed  in  us."  ^ 


^  Rom,  viii.  i8o 


CHAPTER  LII. 

That  a  Man  ought  not  to  account  Himself  as 
worthy  of  Co7nfort^  but  rather  as  deserving  of 
Chastise7nent, 

OLORD,  I  am  not  worthy  of  thy  consolation,  nor 
of  any  spiritual  visitation ;  and  therefore  thou 
dealest  justly  with  me,  when  thou  leavest  me  poor 
and  desolate. 

For  though  I  could  shed  a  sea  of  tears,  still  I 
should  not  be  worthy  of  thy  consolation. 

I  am  not  then  worthy  of  any  thing  but  to  be 
scourged  and  punished,  because  I  have  grievously 
and  often  offended  thee,  and  in  many  things  have 
greatly  sinned. 

Wherefore,  all  things  duly  considered,  I  am  not 
worthy  even  of  the  least  comfort. 

But  thou,  O  gracious  and  merciful  God,  who  wiliest 
not  that  thy  works  should  perish,  to  show  the  riches 
of  thy  goodness  upon  the  vessels  of  mercy,  vouch- 
safest  even  beyond  all  his  desert  to  comfort  thy  ser- 
vant above  the  manner  of  men. 

For  thy  consolations  are  not  like  to  the  discourses 
of  men. 

2.  What  have  I  done,  O  Lord,  that  thou  shouldst 
bestow  any  heavenly  comfort  upon  me  1 

I  remember  not  that  I  have  done  any  good,  but 
that  I  have  been  always  prone  to  sin,  and  slow  to 
amendment. 


m  th^  atmtoxt  0f  K  a^ontxxU  Imt.  213 


This  is  true,  and  I  cannot  deny  it.  If  I  should  say 
otherwise,  thou  wouldst  stand  against  me,^  and  there 
would  be  none  to  defend  me. 

What  have  I  deserved  for  my  sins,  but  hell  and 
everlasting  fire  ? 

I  confess  in  very  truth  that  I  am  worthy  of  all 
scorn  and  contempt,  nor  is  it  fit  that  I  should  be  re- 
membered amongst  thy  devout  servants. 

And  although  I  be  unwilling  to  hear  this,  yet  not- 
withstanding, for  the  truth's  sake,  I  will  lay  open  my 
sins  against  myself,  that  so  the  more  readily  I  may 
be  counted  worthy  to  obtain  thy  mercy. 

3.  What  shall  I  say,  in  that  I  am  guilty  and  full  of 
all  confusion,^ 

My  mouth  can  utter  nothing  but  this  word  only,  "  I 
have  sinned,  O  Lord  !  I  have  sinned ;  ^  have  mercy 
on  me,  pardon  me." 

Spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may  bewail  my  griefs,  be- 
fore I  go  into  the  land  of  darkness,  a  land  covered 
with  the  shadow  of  death.^ 

What  dost  thou  so  much  require  of  a  guilty  and 
miserable  sinner,  as  that  he  be  contrite,  and  that  he 
humble  himself  for  his  offences  ? 

Of  true  contrition  and  humbling  of  the  heart  aris- 
eth  hope  of  forgiveness ;  the  troubled  conscience  is 
reconciled ;  the  favor  of  God,  which  was  lost,  is  re- 
covered ;  man  is  preserved  from  the  wrath  to  come ; 
and  God  and  the  penitent  soul  meet  together  with  a 
holy  kiss. 

4.  Humble  contrition  for  sins  is  an  acceptable  sac- 


~Jobix.2,  3. 


*  Psalm  li. 


3  Job  X.  21. 


214  (^f  §tUnm  to  ^HttMy  ^fUttion. 


rifice  unto  thee,  O  Lord,^  savoring  much  sweeter  in 
thy  presence  than  the  perfume  of  frankincense. 

This  is  also  the  pleasant  ointment,^  which  thou 
wouldst  to  be  poured  upon  thy  sacred  feet ;  for  a  con- 
trite and  humbled  heart  thou  never  hast  despised.^ 

Here  is  the  place  of  refuge  from  the  angry  face  of 
the  enemy ;  here  is  amended  and  washed  away  what- 
ever defilement  and  pollution  hath  been  anywhere 
contracted. 

CHAPTER  LHI. 

TJiat  the  Grace  of  God  is  not  given  to  those  who 
relish  Earthly  Things, 

MY  son,  my  grace  is  precious,  it  suffereth  not  itself 
to  be  mingled  with  outward  things,  nor  with 
earthly  consolations. 

Thou  oughtest  therefore  to  cast  away  all  hindrances 
to  grace,  if  thou  desire  to  receive  the  inpouring 
thereof. 

Choose  therefore  a  secret  place  to  thyself,  love  to 
live  alone  with  thyself,  desire  the  conversation  of 
none ;  but  rather  pour  out  devout  prayer  unto  God, 
that  thou  mayest  keep  thy  soul  contrite,  and  thy  con- 
science pure. 

Esteem  thou  the  whole  world  as  nothing,  prefer 
attendance  upon  God  before  all  outward  things. 

For  thou  wilt  not  be  able  to  attend  upon  me,  and 
at  the  same  time  to  take  delight  in  things  transitory. 


'  Psalm  li.  17.  ^  Luke  vii.  38,  ^  Psalm  li.  17. 


(^if  §tUnm  io  Earthly  ^fUttim».  215 


Thou  oughtest  to  remove  thyself  away  from  thine 
acquaintance  and  friends,^  and  not  to  depend  on  any 
temporal  comfort. 

So  the  blessed  apostle  Peter  beseecheth,  that  the 
faithful  of  Christ  would  keep  themselves  in  this 
world  as  strangers  and  pilgrims.^ 

2.  O  how  great  a  confidence  shall  he  have  at  the 
hour  of  death,  whom  no  affection  to  any  earthly 
thing  detaineth  in  the  world. 

But  the  having  a  heart  so  retired  from  all,  the  un- 
spiritual  mind  doth  not  as  yet  comprehend ;  nor  doth 
the  carnal  man  know  the  liberty  of  him  that  is  spir- 
itual. 

Notwithstanding,  if  he  desire  to  be  truly  spiritual, 
he  ought  to  renounce  those  who  are  far  off,  as  well 
as  those  who  are  near  unto  him,  and  to  beware  of  no 
man  more  than  of  himself. 

If  thou  perfectly  overcome  thyself,  thou  shalt  very 
easily  bring  all  else  under  the  yoke. 

The  perfect  victory  is,  to  triumph  over  ourselves. 

For  he  that  keepeth  himself  subject,  in  such  sort 
that  his  affections  be  obedient  to  reason,  and  his  rea- 
son in  all  things  obedient  to  me ;  he  truly  is  con- 
queror of  himself,  and  lord  of  the  world. 

3.  If  thou  desire  to  mount  unto  this  height,  thou 
must  set  out  courageously,  and  lay  the  axe  to  the 
root,  that  thou  mayest  pluck  up  and  destroy  both  that 
hidden  inordinate  inclination  to  self,  and  all  love  of 
private  and  earthly  good. 

On  this  sin  almost  all  dependeth,  whatsoever  is 
thoroughly  to  be  overcome ;  which  evil  being  once 


*  Matt,  xix,  29. 


2  I  Pet.  ii,  II. 


216  (^f  m  ((imflxtt  Mmm  ^uinxi^  mA  (&xm. 


vanquished  and  subdued,  there  will  presently  ensue 
great  peace  and  tranquility. 

But  because  few  labor  perfectly  to  die  unto  them- 
selves, or  altogether  to  go  out  of  themselves,  there- 
fore in  themselves  they  remain  entangled,  nor  can  be 
lifted  up  in  spirit  above  themselves. 

But  for  him  that  desireth  to  walk  freely  with  me, 
it  is  necessary  that  he  mortify  all  his  corrupt  and 
inordinate  affections,  and  that  he  do  not  earnestly 
cleave  to  any  creature  with  particular  love. 

CHAPTER  LIV. 

0/  the  different  Stirrings  of  Nature  and  Grace, 

MY  son,  mark  diligently  the  stirrings  of  nature 
and  grace;  for  in  a  very  contrary  yet  subtle 
manner  do  they  move,  so  that  they  can  hardly  be  dis- 
tinguished but  by  him  that  is  spiritually  and  in- 
wardly enlightened. 

All  men  indeed  desire  that  which  is  good,  and  pre- 
tend some  good  in  their  words  and  deeds  ;  and  there- 
fore under  the  show  of  good,  many  are  deceived. 

Nature  is  crafty,  and  seduceth  many,  ensnareth 
and  deceiveth  them,  and  always  proposeth  herself  for 
her  end  and  object. 

But  grace  walketh  in  simplicity,  abstaineth  from 
all  show  of  evil,  sheltereth  not  herself  under  deceits, 
doeth  all  things  purely  for  God's  sake,  in  whom  also 
she  finally  resteth. 

2.    Nature  is  unwilling  and  loth  to  die,  or  to  be  kept 


^mflxtt  Mwm  It^tmt  mxA  (&xm.  217 


down,  or  to  be  overcome,  or  to  be  in  subjection,  or 
readily  to  be  subdued  : 

But  grace  studieth  self-mortification,  resisteth  sen- 
suality, seeketh  to  be  in  subjection,  is  desirous  to  be 
kept  under,  and  wisheth  not  to  use  her  o\yn  liberty. 
She  loveth  to  be  kept  under  discipline,  and  desireth 
not  to  rule  over  any,  but  always  to  live  and  remain 
and  be  under  God,  and  for  God's  sake  is  ready  hum- 
bly to  bow  down  unto  all. 

Nature  striveth  for  her  own  advantage,  and  consid- 
ereth  what  profit  she  may  reap  by  another, 

Grace  considereth  not  what  is  profitable  and  con- 
venient unto  herself,  but  rather  what  may  be  for  the 
good  of  many. 

Nature  willingly  receiveth  honor  and  reverence. 

Grace  faithfully  attributeth  all  honor  and  glory 
unto  God. 

3.    Nature  feareth  shame  and  contempt. 
Grace  rejoiceth  to  suffer  reproach  for  the  name  of 
Jesus. 

Nature  loveth  leisure  and  bodily  ease. 

Grace  cannot  be  unemployed,  but  cheerfully  em- 
braceth  labor. 

Nature  seeketh  to  have  things  that  are  curious  and 
beautiful,  and  abhorreth  those  which  are  cheap  and 
coarse. 

Grace  delighteth  in  what  is  plain  and  humble, 
despiseth  not  rough  things,  and  refuseth  not  to  be 
clothed  in  that  which  is  old  and  worn. 

Nature  respecteth  temporal  things,  rejoiceth  at 
earthly  gain,  sorroweth  for  loss,  is  irritated  by  every 
little  injurious  word. 


218  (^0nflirt  httwm  ^ntnxe  mA  (&xntt. 


Grace  looketh  to  things  eternal,  cleaveth  not  to 
things  temporal,  is  not  disturbed  at  losses,  nor  soured 
with  hard  words ;  because  she  hath  placed  her  treas- 
ure and  joy  in  heaven,  where  nothing  of  it  perisheth. 

4.  Nature  is  covetous,  doth  more  willingly  receive 
than  give,  and  loveth  to  have  things  private  and  her 
own. 

Grace  is  kind  of  heart,  and  ready  to  share  with 
others,  shunneth  private  interest,  is  content  with  a 
little,  judgeth  that  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to 
receive.^ 

Nature  inclineth  a  man  to  the  creature,  to  his  own 
flesh,  to  vanities,  and  to  wandering  hither  and  thither. 

Grace  draweth  him  unto  God  and  to  every  virtue, 
renounceth  the  creature,  avoideth  the  world,  hateth 
the  desires  of  the  flesh,  restraineth  wanderings 
abroad,  blusheth  to  be  seen  in  public. 

Nature  is  willing  to  have  some  outward  solace, 
whereby  she  may  receive  delight  of  the  senses. 

Grace  seeketh  consolation  in  God  alone,  and  to 
have  delight  in  the  highest  good  above  all  visible 
things. 

5.  Nature  turneth  every  thing  to  her  own  gain 
and  profit,  she  cannot  bear  to  do  anything  without 
reward,  but  for  every  kindness  she  hopeth  to  obtain 
either  what  is  equal,  or  what  is  better,  or  at  least 
praise  or  favor;  and  is  very  earnest  to  have  her  works 
and  gifts  much  valued. 

Grace  seeketh  no  temporal  thing,  nor  desireth  any 
other  reward  save  God  alone,  and  asketh  not  more 


'  Acts  XX,  35. 


<&f  tUt  a^mflxtt  Mmtn  p^twt^  mH  (&xm^  219 


of  temporal  necessaries,  than  what  may  serve  her  for 
the  obtaining  of  things  eternal. 

6.  Nature  rejoiceth  to  have  many  friends  and  kins- 
folk, she  glorieth  of  noble  place  and  noble  birth,  she 
smileth  on  the  powerful,  fawneth  upon  the  rich,  ap- 
plaudeth  those  who  are  like  herself. 

Grace  loveth  even  her  enemies,  and  is  not  puffed 
up  with  multitude  of  friends  ;  and  thinketh  not  greatly 
of  high  birth,  unless  it  be  joined  with  more  exalted 
virtue. 

Grace  favoreth  the  poor  rather  than  the  rich,  sym- 
pathizeth  more  with  the  innocent  than  with  the 
powerful,  rejoiceth  with  the  true  man,  not  with  the 
deceitful. 

She  is  ever  exhorting  good  men  to  strive  for  the 
best  gifts ;  and  by  all  virtue  to  become  like  to  the  Son 
of  God. 

Nature  quickly  complaineth  of  want  and  of  trouble. 
Grace  endureth  need  with  firmness  and  constancy. 

7.  Nature  referreth  all  things  to  herself,  striveth 
and  argueth  for  herself. 

Grace  bringeth  back  all  to  God,  from  whence  orig- 
inally they  proceed  ;  she  ascribeth  no  good  to  herself, 
nor  doth  she  arrogantly  presume ;  she  contendeth  not, 
nor  preferreth  her  own  opinion  before  others ;  but  in 
every  matter  of  sense  and  understanding  she  submit- 
teth  herself  unto  the  eternal  wisdom  and  the  divine 
judgment. 

Nature  is  eager  to  know  secrets  and  to  hear  news ; 
she  loveth  to  appear  abroad  and  to  make  proof  of 
many  things  by  her  own  senses ;  she  desireth  to  be 


220  (^f     (H^^nflitt  Mwttn  "gixtnxt  mA  (^xm. 


acknowledged,  and  to  do  things  for  which  she  may  be 
praised  and  admired. 

Grace  careth  not  to  hear  news,  nor  to  understand 
curious  matters  (because  all  this  taketh  its  rise  from 
the  old  corruption  of  man),  seeing  that  upon  earth 
there  is  nothing  new,  nothing  durable. 

Grace  teacheth  therefore  to  restrain  the  senses,  to 
shun  vain  complacency  and  ostentation,  humbly  to 
hide  those  things  that  are  worthy  of  admiration  and 
praise,  and  from  every  thing  and  in  every  knowledge 
to  seek  profitable  fruit,  and  the  praise  and  honor  of 
God. 

She  will  not  have  herself  nor  that  which  pertaineth 
to  her  publicly  praised,  but  desireth  that  God  should 
be  blessed  in  his  gifts,  because  that  of  mere  love  he 
bestoweth  all  things. 

8.  This  grace  is  a  supernatural  light,  and  a  certain 
special  gift  of  God,  and  the  proper  mark  of  the  elect, 
and  a  pledge  of  everlasting  salvation.  It  raiseth  up  a 
man  from  earthly  things  to  love  the  things  of  heaven, 
and  from  being  carnal  maketh  him  a  spiritual 
man. 

The  more  therefore  nature  is  depressed  and  sub- 
dued, so  much  the  more  is  grace  infused,  and  every 
day  by  new  visitations  the  inward  man  is  created  anew 
according  to  the  image  of  God. 


CHAPTER  LV. 

0/  the  Corruption  of  Nature^  and  the  Efficacy  of 
Divine  Grace. 

OLORD  my  God,  who  hast  created  me  after  thine 
own  image  and  likeness,^  grant  me  this  grace, 
which  thou  hast  showed  to  be  so  great  and  so  neces- 
sary to  salvation ;  that  I  may  overcome  my  most  evil 
nature,  which  draweth  me  to  sin  and  to  perdition. 

For  I  feel  in  my  flesh  the  law  of  sin  contradicting 
the  law  of  my  mind,^  and  leading  me  captive  to  the 
obeying  of  sensuality  in  many  things  ;  neither  can  I 
resist  the  passions  thereof,  unless  thy  most  holy  grace 
being  infused  into  my  heart  do  assist  me. 

2.  There  is  need  of  thy  grace,  O  Lord,  and  of 
large  supplies  thereof,  that  nature  may  be  overcome, 
which  is  ever  prone  to  evil  from  her  youth.^ 

For  through  Adam  the  first  man,  nature  being  fallen 
and  corrupted  by  sin,  the  penalty  of  this  stain  hath 
descended  upon  all  mankind,  in  such  sort  that 
"nature"  itself,  which  by  thee  was  created  good  and 
upright,  is  now  taken  for  the  sin  and  infirmity  of 
corrupted  nature ;  because  the  inclination  thereof  left 
unto  itself  draweth  to  evil  and  to  lower  things. 

For  the  small  power  which  remaineth  is,  as  it  were, 
a  spark  lying  hid  in  the  ashes. 

This  is  natural  reason  itself,  encompassed  about 
with  great  darkness,  yet  still  retaining  power  to  dis- 


'Gen.  i.  26.        ^Rom.  vii.  23.        ^Gen.  viii.  21. 


cern  the  difference  between  true  and  false,  good  and 
evil;  although  it  be  unable  to  fulfil  all  that  it  appro v- 
eth,  and  enjoyeth  no  longer  the  full  light  of  the  truth, 
nor  soundness  in  its  own  affections. 

3.  Hence  it  is,  O  my  God,  that  I  delight  in  thy  law 
after  the  inward  man,^  knowing  thy  commandment  to 
be  good,  just  and  holy,  reproving  also  all  evil  and  sin, 
as  things  to  be  avoided. 

But  with  the  flesh  I  serve  the  law  of  sin,  in  that  I 
obey  my  senses  rather  than  my  reason. 

Hence  it  is,  that  to  will  what  is  good  is  present 
with  me,  but  how  to  perform  it  I  find  not. 

Hence  it  is  that  I  often  purpose  many  good  things, 
but  because  grace  is  wanting  to  help  my  infirmity, 
upon  a  light  resistance  I  start  back  and  faint. 

Hence  it  cometh  to  pass  that  I  know  the  way  of 
perfection,  and  see  clearly  enough  what  I  ought  to 
do;  but  being  pressed  down  by  the  weight  of  mine 
own  corruption,  I  rise  not  to  that  which  is  more 
perfect. 

4.  O  Lord,  how  entirely  needful  is  thy  grace  for 
me,  to  begin  any  good  work,  to  go  on  with  it,  and  to 
accomplish  it. 

For  without  that  grace  I  can  do  nothing,^  but  in 
thee  I  can  do  all  things,  when  thy  grace  doth 
strengthen  me. 

O  grace  heavenly  indeed !  without  which  our  most 
worthy  actions  are  nothing,  nor  are  any  gifts  of  na- 
ture to  be  esteemed. 

Neither  arts  nor  riches,  beauty  nor  strength,  wit 


*  Rom,  vii.  22. 


^  John  XV,  5. 


nor  eloquence,  are  of  any  value  before  thee,  without 
thy  grace,  O  Lord. 

For  gifts  of  nature  are  common  to  good  and  bad, 
but  the  peculiar  gift  of  the  elect  is  grace  or  love  ;  and 
they  that  bear  this  honorable  mark,  are  accounted 
worthy  of  everlasting  life. 

So  eminent  is  this  grace  that  neither  the  gift  of 
prophecy,  nor  the  working  of  miracles,  nor  any  spec- 
ulation, how  high  soever,  is  of  any  esteem  without  it. 

No,  not  even  faith,  nor  hope,  nor  any  other  virtues, 
are  unto  thee  acceptable  without  charity  and  grace.^ 

5.  O  most  blessed  grace,  that  makest  the  poor  in 
spirit  rich  in  virtues,  and  renderest  him  who  is  rich  in 
many  goods  humble  in  heart ! 

Come  thou  down  unto  me,  come  and  replenish  me 
early  with  thy  comfort,  lest  my  soul  faint  for  weari- 
ness and  dryness  of  mind. 

I  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  that  I  may  find  grace  in 
thy  sight ;  for  thy  grace  is  sufficient  for  me,  though 
other  things  that  nature  desireth  be  not  obtained. 

Although  I  be  tempted  and  vexed  with  many  tribu- 
lations, yet  I  will  fear  no  evil,^  so  long  as  thy  grace 
is  with  me. 

This  alone  and  by  itself  is  my  strength ;  this  alone 
giveth  advice  and  help. 

This  is  stronger  than  all  enemies,  and  wiser  than 
all  the  wise. 

6.  Thy  grace  is  the  mistress  of  truth,  the  teacher 
of  discipline,  the  light  of  the  heart,  the  solace  in 
affliction,  the  driver  away  of  sorrow,  the  expeller  of 
fear,  the  nurse  of  devotion,  the  mother  of  tears. 


*  I  Cor.  xiii.  13. 


^  Psalm  xxiii.  4. 


Without  this,  what  am  I  but  a  withered  branch,  and 
an  unprofitable  stock  only  meet  to  be  cast  away ! 

Let  thy  grace  therefore,  O  Lord,  always  prevent 
and  follow  me,  and  make  me  to  be  continually  given 
to  good  works,  through  thy  son  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

CHAPTER  LVL 

T/iai  we  ought  to  deny  Ourselves^  and  imitate 
Christ  by  the  Cross, 

MY  son,  the  more  thou  canst  go  out  of  thyself,  so 
much  the  more  wilt  thou  be  able  to  enter  into 

me. 

As  to  desire  no  outward  thing  produceth  inward 
peace,  so  the  forsaking  of  ourselves  inwardly,  joineth 
us  unto  God. 

I  will  have  thee  learn  perfect  resignation  of  thyself 
to  my  will,  without  contradiction  or  complaint. 

Follow  thou  me :  "  I  am  the  way,  the  truth,  and 
the  life."^  Without  the  way,  there  is  no  going; 
without  the  truth,  there  is  no  knowing ;  without  the 
life,  there  is  no  living.  I  am  the  way,  which  thou 
oughtest  to  follow ;  the  truth,  which  thou  oughtest  to 
trust;  the  life,  which  thou  oughtest  to  hope  for. 

I  AM  the  way  inviolable,  the  truth  infallible,  the 
life  that  cannot  end. 

I  AM  the  straitest  way,  the  highest  truth,  the  true 
life,  the  blessed  life,  the  life  uncreated. 

If  thou  remain  in  my  way,  thou  shalt  know  the 


*  John  xiv.  6. 


m  mm  m  w^m,  m  m%  m  pj^.  225 


truth,  and  the  truth  shall  make  thee  free,  and  thou 
shalt  lay  hold  on  eternal  life, 

2.  If  thou  wilt  enter  into  life,  keep  the  command' 
ments.i 

If  thou  wilt  know  the  truth,  believe  me. 
If  thou  wilt  be  perfect,  sell  all.^ 
If  thou  wilt  be  my  disciple,  deny  thyself  utterly.^ 
If  thou  wilt  possess  a  blessed  life,  despise  this  life 
present. 

If  thou  wilt  be  exalted  in  heaven,  humble  thyself  in 
this  world."* 

If  thou  wilt  reign  with  me,  bear  the  cross  with  me.* 
For  only  the  servants  of  the  cross  can  find  the  way 
of  blessedness  and  of  true  light. 

3.  O  Lord  Jesus,  forasmuch  as  thy  life  was  narrow 
and  despised  by  the  world,  grant  me  to  imitate  thee, 
though  the  world  despise. 

For  the  servant  is  not  greater  than  his  Lord,^  nor 
the  disciple  above  his  Master. 

Let  thy  servant  be  exercised  in  thy  life,  for  therein 
consisteth  my  salvation  and  my  true  hohness. 

Whatsoever  I  read  or  hear  besides  it,  doth  not  give 
me  full  refreshment  or  delight. 

4.  My  son,  inasmuch  as  thou  knowest  and  hast 
read  a  these  things,  happy  shalt  thou  be,  if  thou  do 
them. 


'  Matt.  xix.  17. 
2  Matt.  xix.  21. 
^  Luke  ix.  23. 


^  John  xii.  25. 

^  Luke  xiv.  27. 

^Matt.  x.  24;  Luke  vi.  40. 


226  m  M»t  m  ma,  m  wxn%  tu  ^xu. 


"  He  that  hath  my  commandments  and  keepetb 
them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me  ;  and  I  will  love  him, 
and  will  manifest  myself  unto  him,"  ^  and  will  make 
him  sit  together  with  me  in  my  Father's  kingdom. 

0  Lord  Jesu,  as  thou  hast  said  and  promised,  so 
let  it  come  to  pass,  and  grant  that  I  may  not  be 
wholly  undeserving  of  this  favor. 

1  have  received  the  Cross  from  thy  hand ;  I  have 
borne  it,  and  will  bear  it  even  unto  death,  even  *:  s 
thou  hast  laid  it  upon  me. 

Verily  the  life  of  a  Christian  is  a  cross,  yet  is  it  also 
a  guide  to  paradise. 

I  have  begun,  I  may  not  go  back,  neither  is  it  fitting 
to  leave  that  which  I  have  undertaken. 

5.  Courage,  then,  brethren,  let  us  go  forward  to- 
gether !   Jesus  will  be  with  us. 

For  the  sake  of  Jesus  we  have  undertaken  this 
cross,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  let  us  persevere  in  the 
cross. 

He  will  be  our  helper,  who  is  also  our  guide  and 
forerunner. 

Behold,  our  king  entereth  in  before  us,  and  he  will 
fight  for  us. 

Let  us  follow  manfully,  let  no  man  fear  any  terrors  ; 
let  us  be  prepared  to  die  valiantly  in  battle,  nor  bring 
shame  on  our  glory  by  flying  from  the  cross. 


'John  xiv.  21. 


CHAPTER  LVII. 

Tka^  a  Man  should  not  be  too  7Jtuch  dejected^  even 
when  he  falleth  into  so7ne  Defects. 

AyTY  son,  patience  and  humility  in  adversity  are  more 
-^'•■•pleasing  to  me,  than  much  comfort  and  devotion 
in  prosperity. 

Why  art  thou  so  grieved  for  every  little  matter 
spoken  against  thee  ? 

Although  it  had  been  much  more,  thou  oughtest 
not  to  have  been  moved. 

But  now  let  it  pass ;  it  is  not  the  first  that  hath 
happened,  nor  is  it  anything  new ;  neither  shall  it  be 
the  last,  if  thou  live  long. 

Thou  art  courageous  enough  so  long  as  nothing 
adverse  befalleth  thee. 

Thou  canst  give  good  counsel  also,  and  canst 
strengthen  others  with  thy  words ;  but  when  any 
tribulation  suddenly  cometh  to  thy  door,  thou  failest 
in  counsel  and  in  strength. 

Observe  then  thy  great  frailty,  of  which  thou  too 
often  hast  experience  in  small  matters. 

It  is  notwithstanding  intended  for  thy  good,  when 
these  and  such  like  trials  happen  to  thee. 

2.  Put  it  out  of  thy  heart  as  well  as  thou  canst; 
and  if  it  touch  thee,  yet  let  it  not  cast  thee  down,  nor 
long  perplex  thee. 

At  least  bear  it  patiently,  if  thou  canst  not  bear  it 
joyfully. 


Although  thou  be  unwilling  to  hear  it,  and  conceive 
indignation  thereat,  yet  restrain  thyself,  and  suffer  no 
ill-advised  word  to  pass  out  of  thy  mouth,  whereby 
Christ's  little  ones  may  be  offended. 

The  storm  which  is  now  raised  shall  quickly  be 
appeased,  and  inward  grief  shall  be  sweetened  by  the 
return  of  grace. 

I  yet  live,  saith  the  Lord;  and  am  ready  to  help 
thee,^  and  to  give  thee  greater  comfort  than  before, 
if  thou  put  thy  trust  in  me,  and  call  devoutly  upon 
me. 

3.  Be  more  patient  of  soul,  and  gird  thyself  to 
greater  endurance. 

All  is  not  lost,  although  thou  feel  thyself  very  often 
afflicted  or  grievously  tempted. 

Thou  art  a  man,  and  not  God ;  thou  art  flesh,  not 
an  angel. 

How  canst  thou  look  to  continue  alway  in  the  same 
state  of  virtue,  when  an  angel  in  heaven  hath  fallen, 
as  also  the  first  man  in  paradise? 2 

I  am  he  who  lift  up  the  mourners  in  safety  and 
soundness,  and  those  that  know  their  own  weakness 
I  advance  to  mine  own  divine  glory. 

4.  O  Lord,  blessed  be  thy  word,  more  sweet  unto 
my  mouth  than  honey  and  the  honey-comb.^ 

What  should  I  do  in  these  so  great  tribulations  and 
straits,  unless  thou  didst  comfort  me  with  thy  holy 
words  ? 

What  matter  is  it,  how  much  or  what  I  suffer,  so  I 
may  at  length  attain  to  the  haven  of  salvation  ? 


*  Isaiah  xlix.  18.         ^Gen.  iii.  ^  Psalm  cxix.  103. 


m        M0$xi^  in  lifllt  ^mm*  229 


Grant  me  a  good  end,  grant  me  a  happy  passage 
out  of  this  world. 

Be  mindful  of  me,  O  my  God,  and  direct  me  in  the 
right  way  to  thy  kingdom.  Amen. 

CHAPTER  LVIII. 

T/ia^  High  Matters  and  GocTs  Secret  Judginents  are 
not  to  be  narrowly  inquired  into. 

TVif Y  son,  beware  thou  dispute  not  of  high  matters^, 
nor  of  the  secret  judgments  of  God,  why  this- 
man  is  so  left,  and  that  man  taken  into  such  great 
favor;  why  also  one  man  is  so  much  afflicted,  and 
another  so  greatly  advanced. 

These  things  are  beyond  the  reach  of  man,  neither 
is  it  in  the  power  of  any  reason  or  disputation  ta 
search  out  the  judgments  of  God. 

When  therefore  the  enemy  suggesteth  these  things 
unto  thee,  or  some  curious  people  raise  the  question,, 
let  thy  answer  be  that  of  the  prophet,  "  Thou  art  just,, 
O  Lord,  and  thy  judgment  is  right."  ^ 

And  again,  "  The  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true 
and  righteous  altogether."  2 

My  judgments  are  to  be  feared,  not  to  be  dis- 
cussed ;  for  they  are  such  as  cannot  be  comprehended 
by  the  understanding  of  man. 

2.  In  like  manner  I  advise  thee  not  to  inquire,  nor 
dispute  of  the  merits  of  holy  men,  which  of  them  is 


^  Psalm  cxix.  137. 


^  Psalm  xix.  9. 


holier  than  the  other,  or  which  shall  be  the  greater  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

These  things  oftentimes  breed  strife  and  unprofita- 
ble contentions,^  they  also  nourish  pride  and  vain- 
glory; from  whence  spring  envy  and  dissensions, 
whilst  one  will  proudly  prefer  this,  and  the  other 
another. 

To  desire  to  know  and  search  out  such  things  an- 
swereth  no  good  end,  and  is  painful  to  righteous 
souls ;  for  I  am  not  the  God  of  dissension,  but  of 
peace ;  which  peace  consisteth  rather  in  true  humility, 
than  in  self-exaltion. 

3.  Some  are  carried  with  zeal  of  affection  towards 
these  or  those  ;  but  this  is  rather  human  love  than 
divine. 

T  am  he  who  made  all  the  saints;  I  gave  them 
grace ;  I  obtain  for  them  glory. 

I  know  what  every  one  hath  deserved ;  I  have  pre- 
vented them  with  the  blessings  of  my  goodness. 

I  foreknew  my  beloved  ones  before  the  beginning 
of  the  world. 

I  chose  them  out  of  the  world :  they  chose  not  me 
first.2 

I  called  them  by  grace,  I  drew  them  by  mercy,  I  led 
them  safely  through  sundry  temptations. 

I  have  poured  into  them  glorious  consolations,  I 
give  them  perseverance,  I  crown  their  patience. 

4.  I  acknowledge  both  the  first  and  the  last;  I 
embrace  all  with  love  inestimable. 

I  am  to  be  praised  in  all  my  saints;  I  am  to  be 
blessed  above  all  things,  and  to  be  honored  in  every 


'  2  Tim.  ii.  14. 


John  XV.  16. 


m  Wmti  (/iuxmtu  itt  lijft  W^mtxg.  231 


one  whom  I  have  thus  gloriously  exalted  and  predes 
tinated,  without  any  merits  of  their  own. 

He  therefore  that  despiseth  one  of  the  least  of 
mine,^  honoreth  not  the  greatest ;  for  that  I  made  both 
the  small  and  the  great.^ 

And  he  that  dispraiseth  any  of  my  saints,  dis- 
praiseth  me  also,  and  all  the  rest  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

These  all  are  one  through  the  bond  of  love ;  their 
thought  is  the  same,  their  will  is  the  same,  and  they 
all  love  one  another. 

5.  But  still  (which  is  a  far  higher  thing),  they  love 
me  more  than  themselves  or  any  merits  of  their  own. 

For  being  ravished  above  self  and  self-love,  they 
are  wholly  carried  out  to  love  me,  in  whom  also  they 
rest  with  full  fruition. 

Nothing  can  turn  them  back,  nothing  can  press 
them  down ;  for  being  full  of  the  eternal  truth,  they 
burn  with  the  fire  of  unquenchable  charity. 

Let  therefore  carnal  and  natural  men  who  can  love 
nothing  but  their  own  selfish  joys,  forbear  to  dispute 
of  the  state  of  God's  saints.  Such  men  add  and  take 
away  according  to  their  own  fancies,  not  as  it  pleas- 
eth  the  eternal  truth. 

6.  Many  are  ignorant,  especially  those  who  are 
but  little  enlightened  ;  and  these  can  seldom  love  any 
with  a  perfect  spiritual  love. 

They  are  as  yet  much  drawn  by  a  natural  affection 
and  human  friendship  to  this  man  or  to  that.  And 
according  to  the  experience  they  have  of  themselves 


'James  ii.  1-5. 


^Wisd.  vi.  7. 


232  m  Wmn  (flnxmt^  in  pgh  ^mm. 


in  their  earthly  affections,  so  do  they  frame  imagina* 
tions  of  things  heavenly. 

But  there  is  an  incomparable  distance  between  the 
things  which  the  imperfect  imagine  and  the  things 
which  they  that  are  enlightened  are  enabled  to  be- 
hold through  revelation  from  above. 

7.  Beware  therefore,  my  son,  that  thou  handle  not 
with  vain  curiosity  things  which  exceed  thy  knowl- 
edge ;^  but  rather  let  this  be  thy  great  business  and 
endeavor,  to  attain  if  it  be  but  the  meanest  place  in 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

Even  if  any  man  should  know  who  exceeds  an- 
other in  sanctity,  or  who  is  accounted  the  greatest 
in  the  kingdom  of  heaven;  what  would  this  v/isdom 
profit  him,  unless  he  should  humble  himself  the  more 
in  my  sight,  and  then  should  rise  up  to  give  the 
greater  praise  to  my  name,  in  proportion  to  this  his 
knowledge? 

Far  more  acceptable  to  God  is  he  that  thinketh  of 
the  greatness  of  his  own  sins,  and  the  smallness  of 
his  virtues,  and  how  far  he  is  from  the  perfection  of 
saints,  than  he  who  disputeth  of  their  greatness  or 
littleness. 

8.  They  are  well,  yea  right  well,  contented,  if  men 
would  but  content  themselves,  and  refrain  from  vain 
^liscourses. 

They  glory  not  of  their  own  merits,  inasmuch  as 
^hey  ascribe  no  goodness  to  themselves,  but  attribute 
all  to  me,  who  of  mine  infinite  love  have  given  them 
all  things. 


'Ecclus.  iii.  21. 


They  are  filled  with  so  great  love  of  God,  and  with 
such  an  overflowing  joy,  that  there  is  no  glory  nor 
happiness  that  is  or  that  can  be  wanting  unto  them. 

All  the  saints,  the  higher  they  are  in  glory,  the 
more  humble  are  they  in  themselves,  and  the  nearer 
and  dearer  unto  me. 

And  therefore  it  is  written,  That  they  did  cast 
their  crowns  before  God,  and  fell  down  on  their  faces 
before  the  Lamb,  and  adored  him  that  liveth  for  ever 
and  ever."^ 

9.  Many  inquire,  who  is  the  greatest  in  the  king- 
dom of  God,  who  know  not  whether  they  shall  ever 
be  numbered  among  the  least. 

It  is  a  great  thing  to  be  even  the  least  in  heaven, 
where  all  are  great ;  for  they  all  shall  be  called,  and 
shall  be,  the  sons  of  God. 

"The  least  shall  become  a  thousand," ^  and  "the 
sinner  of  an  hundred  years  shall  die."^ 

For  when  the  disciples  asked  who  should  be  great- 
est in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  they  received  such  an 
answer  as  this : 

"Except  ye  be  converted,  and  become  as  little 
children,  ye  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven;  whosoever  therefore  shall  humble  himself 
as  this  little  child,  the  same  is  greatest  in  the  king- 
dom of  heaven."^ 

10.  Woe  be  unto  them  who  disdain  to  humble 
themselves  willingly  with  little  children ;  because 
the  low  gate  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  will  not  give 
them  entrance.* 

*Rev.  iv.  10.  3  Isaiah  Ixv.  20.       ^Matt.  vii.  14. 

•Isaiah  Ix.  22.         -* Matt,  xviii.  3. 


Woe  also  to  the  rich,  who  have  here  their  conso- 
lation ;  for  whilst  the  poor  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God,  they  shall  stand  lamenting  without. 

Rejoice  ye  that  be  humble,^  and  ye  poor  be  ye  filled 
with  joy,  for  yours  is  the  kingdom  of  God,  if  at  least 
ye  walk  according  to  the  truth. 


TAa^  all  our  Hope  and  Trust  are  to  be  fixed  in 


ORD,  what  is  my  confidence  which  I  have  in  this 


from  any  thing  under  heaven  ? 

Is  it  not  thou,  O  Lord  my  God,  whose  mercies  are 
without  number? 

Where  hath  it  ever  been  well  with  me  without 
thee  ?  or  when  could  it  be  ill  with  me,  when  thou 
wert  present.'^ 

I  had  rather  be  poor  for  thy  sake,  than  rich  with- 
out thee. 

I  rather  choose  to  be  a  pilgrim  on  earth  with  thee, 
than  without  thee  to  possess  heaven.  Where  thou 
art,  there  is  heaven :  and  where  thou  art  not,  there  is 
death  and  hell. 

Thou  art  all  my  desire,  and  therefore  I  must  needs 
sigh  and  call  and  earnestly  pray  unto  thee. 

For  I  have  none  fully  to  trust  to,  none  that  can 
seasonably  help  me  in  my  necessities,  but  only  thee, 
my  God. 


CHAPTER  LIX. 


God  alone. 


comfort  I  can  derive 


'  Matt.  V.  3. 


Thou  art  my  hope,  thou  my  confidence;  thou  art 
my  comforter,  and  in  all  things  most  faithful  unto  me. 

2.  All  men  seek  their  own  gain.^  Thou  settest 
forward  my  salvation  and  my  profit  only,  and  turnest 

11  things  to  my  good. 

Although  thou  exposest  me  to  divers  temptations 
ind  adversities,  yet  thou  orderest  all  this  to  mine  ad- 
vantage, who  art  wont  to  try  thy  beloved  ones  in  a 
thousand  ways. 

In  which  trial  of  me  thou  oughtest  no  less  to  be 
•oved  and  praised,  than  if  thou  didst  fill  me  full  of 
heavenly  consolations. 

3.  In  thee  therefore,  O  Lord  God,  I  place  my 
whole  hope  and  refuge :  on  thee  I  rest  in  my  tribula- 
tion and  anguish :  for  I  find  all  to  be  weak  and  incon- 
stant, whatsoever  I  behold  save  in  thee. 

For  many  friends  cannot  profit,  nor  strong  helpers 
assist,  nor  prudent  counsellors  give  a  profitable  an- 
swer, nor  the  books  of  the  learned  afford  comfort,  nor 
any  precious  substance  deliver,  nor  any  place,  how- 
ever retired  and  lovely,  give  shelter,  unless  thou  thy- 
self dost  assist,  help,  strengthen,  console,  instruct,  and 
guard  us. 

4.  For  all  things,  that  seem  to  belong  to  the  attain- 
ment of  peace  and  feHcity,  w^ithout  thee  are  nothing, 
and  do  bring  in  truth  no  feHcity  at  all. 

Thou  therefore  art  the  end  of  all  that  is  good,  the 
height  of  life,  the  depth  of  all  that  can  be  spoken; 
and  to  hope  in  thee  above  all  things,  is  the  strongest 
comfort  of  thy  servants. 


^Phil.  ii.  21. 


236  (^f  mx  (^ntxxt  ^ti^tnAmt  m  &^%xx^t 


To  thee  therefore  do  I  hft  up  mine  eyes ;  in  thee 
my  God,  the  Father  of  mercies,  do  I  put  my  trust. 

Bless  and  sanctify  my  soul  with  thy  heavenly  bless- 
ings, that  it  may  become  thy  holy  habitation,  and  the 
seat  of  thine  eternal  glory ;  and  let  nothing  be  found 
in  this  temple  of  thy  dignity,  which  shall  offend  the 
eyes  of  thy  majesty. 

According  to  the  greatness  of  thy  goodness  and  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies  look  upon  me,  and  hear  the 
prayer  of  thy  poor  servant,  who  is  exiled  far  from  thee 
in  the  land  of  the  shadow  of  death. 

Protect  and  keep  the  soul  of  me,  the  meanest  of 
thy  servants,  amidst  the  many  dangers  of  this  cor- 
ruptible life,  and  by  thy  grace  accompanying  direct 
me  along  the  way  of  peace  to  the  land  of  everlasting 
light.  Amen. 


CONCERNING  THE  COMMUNION. 


A  Devout  Exhortation  to  the  Holy  Communion. 

"/^OME  unto  me  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy 
^  laden,  and  I  will  refresh  you,"^  saith  the  Lord. 

"The  bread  which  I  will  give  is  my  flesh,  which  I 
will  give  for  the  life  of  the  world."  ^ 

"  Take  ye  and  eat;  this  is  my  body  which  is  given 
for  you  :  ^  do  this  in  remembrance  of  me."^ 

"  He  that  eateth  my  flesh  and  drinketh  my  blood, 
dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him." 

"  The  words  which  I  have  spoken  unto  you  are 
spirit  and  life."^ 

^  Matt.  xi.  28.        3  Matt.  xxvi.  26.       ^  John  vi.  56,  63. 
^John  vi.  51.        '♦i  Cor.  xi.  24. 

237 


238 


CHAPTER  I. 


JVz^/i^  how  great  Reverence  Christ  ought  to  be 


'HESE  are  thy  words,  O  Christ,  the  everlasting 


truth,  though  not  spoken  all  at  one  time,  nor 
written  in  one  place. 

Because  therefore  they  are  thine  and  true,  they  are 
all  thankfully  and  faithfully  to  be  received  by  me. 

They  are  thine,  and  thou  hast  pronounced  themr 
and  they  are  mine  also,  because  thou  hast  spoken 
them  for  my  salvation. 

I  cheerfully  receive  them  from  thy  mouth,  that  they 
may  be  the  more  deeply  implanted  in  my  heart. 

They  arouse  me,  those  most  gracious  words,  so  full 
of  sweetness  and  of  love ;  but  mine  own  offences  do 
dishearten  me,  and  an  impure  conscience  driveth  me 
back  from  the  receiving  of  so  great  mysteries. 

The  sweetness  of  thy  words  doth  encourage  me, 
but  the  multitude  of  my  sins  weigheth  me  down. 

2.  Thou  commandest  me  to  come  confidently  unto 
thee,  if  I  would  have  part  with  thee ;  and  to  receive 
the  food  of  immortality,  if  I  desire  to  obtain  ever- 
lasting life  and  glory. 

"  Come  unto  me  (sayest  thou),  all  ye  that  labor 
and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  refresh  you."' 

O  sweet  and  loving  word  in  the  ear  of  a  sinner, 
that  thou,  my  Lord  God,  shouldst  invite  the  poor  and 


received. 


^  Matt.  xi.  28. 


239 


needy  to  the  participation  of  thy  most  holy  body  and 
blood ! 

But  who  am  I,  Lord,  that  I  should  presume  to  ap- 
proach unto  thee  ? 

Behold  the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain  thee, 
and  thou  sayest,  "  Come  ye  all  unto  me." 

3.  What  meaneth  this  so  gracious  a  condescension 
and  this  so  loving  invitation? 

How  shall  I  dare  to  come,  who  know  not  any  good 
in  myself,  whereupon  I  may  presume  ? 

How  shall  I  bring  thee  into  my  house,  I  that  have 
so  often  offended  thy  most  gracious  countenance? 

Angels  and  archangels  stand  in  awe  of  thee :  holy 
and  righteous  men  do  fear  thee :  and  sayest  thou, 
"  Come  ye  all  unto  me  "  ? 

Unless  thou,  O  Lord,  didst  say  this,  who  would 
believe  it  to  be  true? 

And  unless  thou  didst  command  it,  who  could  at- 
tempt to  draw  near  ? 

Behold,  Noah  that  just  man  labored  a  hundred 
years  in  the  making  of  the  ark,^  that  he  might  be 
saved  with  a  few;  and  how  can  I  in  one  hour's  space 
prepare  myself  to  receive  with  reverence  the  maker 
of  the  world? 

4.  Moses,  thy  great  servant,  and  thine  especial 
friend,  made  an  ark  of  incorruptible  wood,  which  also 
he  covered  over  with  the  finest  gold,  wherein  to  lay 
up  the  tables  of  the  law:^  and  I  a  corrupted  creature, 
how  shall  I  dare  so  unconcernedly  to  receive  the 
maker  of  the  law  and  the  giver  of  life  ? 

Solomon  the  wisest  of  the  kings  of  Israel  bestowed 


*  Gen,  vL  3. 


^  Exod,  XXV.  10-16. 


240       (0f  ^wt  in  ^p}rt0Klutt0  th^ 


seven  years  in  building  a  magnificent  temple  to  the 
praise  of  thy  name.^ 

He  also  celebrated  the  feast  of  dedication  thereof 
eight  days  together;  he  offered  a  thousand  peace- 
offerings,  and  he  solemnly  set  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
in  the  place  prepared  for  it  with  the  sound  of  trum- 
pets, and  great  joy  ^ 

And  I  the  most  miserable  and  poorest  of  men,  how- 
shall  I  bring  thee  into  my  house,  I  that  can  r^arce 
spend  one  half  hour  in  true  devotion  ?  And  \  ould 
that  I  could  even  once  spend  something  like  one  half 
hour  in  worthy  and  due  manner  ! 

5.  O  my  God,  how  earnestly  did  they  study  and 
endeavor  to  please  thee ! 

Alas,  how  little  is  that  which  I  do !  how  short  a 
time  do  I  spend  when  I  am  preparing  myself  to  re- 
ceive the  communion  ! 

Seldom  am  I  wholly  collected ;  very  seldom  indeed 
am  I  cleansed  from  all  distraction. 

And  yet  surely  in  the  life-giving  presence  of  thy 
Godhead  no  unbecoming  thought  ought  to  intrude 
itself,  nor  should  any  creature  occupy  my  heart ;  for 
it  is  not  an  angel,  but  the  Lord  of  angels,  whom  I  am 
about  to  entertain. 

6.  And  yet  very  great  is  the  difference  between 
the  ark  of  the  covenant  with  its  relics,  and  thy  most 
pure  body  with  its  unspeakable  virtues;  between 
those  legal  sacrifices,  figures  of  things  to  come,  and 
the  true  sacrifice  of  thy  body,  the  fulfilment  of  all 
ancient  sacrifices. 


*  I  Kings  vi.  31, 


*2  Kings  viii. 


fioly  (Sommmion.  241 


Why  therefore  am  I  not  more  ardent  and  zealous 
in  seeking  thine  adorable  presence? 

Why  do  I  not  prepare  myself  with  greater  solici- 
tude to  receive  thy  holy  things  ?  whereas  those  holy 
ancient  patriarchs  and  prophets,  yea  kings  also  and 
princes,  with  the  whole  people,  showed  such  an  af- 
fectionateness  of  devotion  to  thy  divine  service. 

7.  The  most  devout  king  David  danced  before  the 
ark  of  God  with  all  his  might,^  calling  to  mind  the 
benefits  bestowed  in  time  past  upon  his  forefathers. 
He  made  instruments  of  sundry  kinds,  he  set  forth 
psalms,  and  appointed  them  to  be  sung  with  joy ;  he 
also  oftentimes  himself  sang  to  the  harp,  being  in- 
spired with  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He  taught 
the  people  of  Israel  to  praise  God  with  their  whole 
hearts,  and  with  voices  full  of  harmony  to  bless  and 
praise  him  every  day. 

If  so  great  devotion  was  then  used,  and  such  cele- 
brating of  divine  praise  was  kept  up  before  the  ark 
of  the  testament ;  what  reverence  and  devotion  ought 
now  to  be  preserved  by  me  and  all  Christian  people, 
during  the  ministration  of  this  sacrament,  in  receiv- 
ing the  most  precious  body  and  blood  of  Christ. 

8.  Many  run  to  divers  places  to  visit  the  memo^ 
rials  of  saints  departed,  are  full  of  admiration  at 
hearing  of  their  deeds,  behold  with  awe  the  spacious 
buildings  of  their  temples,  and  find  their  affections 
moved  by  whatever  is  connected  with  their  memory. 

But  behold,  thou  art  thyself  here  present  with  me 
on  thine  altar,  my  God,  Saint  of  saints,  Creator  of 
men,  and  Lord  of  the  angels. 


^  2  Sam.  vi.  14. 


242 


Often  in  looking  after  such  memorials,  men  are 
moved  by  curiosity,  and  by  the  novelty  of  fresh 
sights,  whilst  little  or  no  fruit  of  amendment  is  car- 
ried home ;  particularly  when  they  go  from  place  to 
place  with  levity,  without  a  true  penitent  heart. 

But  here,  in  this  holy  sacrament,  thou  art  wholly 
present,  my  God,  the  man  Christ  Jesus  :  here,  to  all 
worthy  and  devout  receivers,  is  granted  an  abundant 
fruit  of  eternal  salvation. 

There  is  here  to  attract  men  nothing  that  savors  of 
levity,  of  curiosity,  or  of  sense ;  nothing  but  firm 
faith,  devout  hope,  and  sincere  charity. 

9.  O  God,  the  invisible  creator  of  the  world,  how 
wonderfully  dost  thou  deal  with  us ;  how  sweetly  and 
graciously  dost  thou  dispose  of  all  things  with  thine 
elect,  to  whom  thou  offerest  thyself  to  be  received  i-n 
this  sacrament ! 

For  this  verily  exceedeth  all  understanding.  This 
specially  draweth  the  hearts  of  the  devout,  and  in- 
flameth  their  affections. 

For  even  thy  true  faithful  ones,  who  dispose  their 
whole  life  to  amendment,  by  this  most  precious  sac- 
rament oftentimes  gain  much  of  the  grace  of  devo- 
tion, and  love  of  virtue. 

10.  O  the  admirable  and  hidden  grace  of  this  sac- 
rament, which  only  the  faithful  ones  of  Christ  do 
know.  But  the  unbelieving  and  such  as  are  slaves 
unto  sin  cannot  have  experience  thereof ! 

In  this  sacrament  spiritual  grace  is  conferred,  and 
the  strength  which  was  lost  is  restored  in  the  soul, 
and  the  beauty  which  by  sin  had  been  disfigured 
again  returneth. 


245 


This  grace  is  sometimes  so  great,  that  out  of  the 
fulness  of  devotion  here  given,  not  the  mind  only, 
but  the  weak  body  also,  feeleth  great  increase  of 
strength  bestowed  on  it. 

11.  Nevertheless  our  coldness  and  negligence  is 
much  to  be  bewailed  and  pitied,  that  we  are  not 
drawn  with  greater  affection  to  receive  Christ,  in 
whom  doth  consist  all  the  hope  of  those  that  are  to 
be  saved,  and  all  their  merit. 

For  he  himself  is  our  sanctification  and  redemp- 
tion ;  he  himself  is  the  comfort  of  those  who  are  here 
but  travellers,  and  the  everlasting  fruition  of  saints. 

It  is  therefore  much  to  be  lamented  that  many  da 
so  little  consider  this  salutary  mystery,  which  causeth 
joy  in  heaven,  and  preserveth  the  whole  world. 

Alas  for  the  blindness  and  hardness  of  man's  heart, 
that  doth  not  more  deeply  weigh  so  unspeakable  a 
gift ;  but  rather  cometh  by  the  daily  use  thereof  to 
regard  it  little  or  nothing! 

12.  For  if  this  most  holy  sacrament  were  to  be 
celebrated  in  one  place  only,  and  consecrated  by  one 
only  priest  in  the  world ;  with  how  great  desires  dost 
thou  think  would  men  be  affected  to  that  place,  and 
toward  such  a  priest  of  God,  that  they  might  be  wit- 
nesses of  the  celebration  of  these  divine  mysteries  ? 

But  now  many  are  made  priests,  and  in  many  places 
Christ  is  offered;  that  the  grace  and  love  of  God  to 
man  may  appear  so  much  the  greater,  the  more 
widely  this  sacred  communion  is  spread  over  the 
world. 

Thanks  be  unto  thee,  O  merciful  Jesu,  thou  eternal 
shepherd,  that  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  refresh  us. 


244  m         "govt  in  iU  (BntU»vi»U 


who  are  poor  and  in  a  state  of  banishment,  with  thy 
precious  body  and  blood,  and  to  invite  us  to  the  re- 
ceiving of  these  mysteries  with  the  words  even  of 
thine  own  mouth,  saying,  "  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that 
labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  refresh  you." 

CHAPTER  II. 

T/ia^  the  great  Goodness  and  Love  of  God  is 
exhibited  to  Man  in  this  Sacrament, 

TN  confidence  of  thy  goodness  and  great  mercy,  O 
Lord,  I  draw  near,  as  one  sick  to  the  healer,  as 
one  hungry  and  thirsty  to  the  fountain  of  life,  needy 
to  the  king  of  heaven,  a  servant  unto  my  Lord,  a 
creature  to  my  creator,  a  desolate  soul  to  my  merciful 
comforter. 

But  whence  is  this  to  me,  that  thou  vouchsafest  to 
come  unto  me?^  What  am  I,  that  thou  shouldst 
grant  thine  own  self  unto  me? 

How  dare  a  sinner  appear  before  thee  ?  and  how  is 
it  that  thou  dost  vouchsafe  to  come  unto  a  sinner  ? 

Thou  knowest  thy  servant,  thou  knowest  that  he 
hath  in  him  no  good  thing,  for  which  thou  shouldst 
grant  him  this  favor. 

I  confess  therefore  mine  own  unworthiness,  I  ac- 
knowledge thy  goodness,  I  praise  thy  tender  mercy, 
and  give  thee  thanks  for  this  thy  transcendent  love. 

For  thou  doest  this  for  thine  own  sake,  not  for  any 
merits  of  mine ;  to  the  end  that  thy  goodness  may  be 


'  Luke  i.  43. 


m  in  m        (Sttrttattst.  245 


better  known  unto  me,  thy  love  more  abundantly 
poured  down,  and  thy  gracious  humility  more  emi- 
nently set  forth. 

Since  therefore  it  is  thy  pleasure,  and  thou  hast 
commanded  that  it  should  be  so,  this  that  seemeth  to 
thee  good  pleaseth  me  also,  and  would  that  mine  ini- 
quity might  be  no  hindrance ! 

2.  O  most  sweet  and  most  merciful  Jesu,  how 
great  reverence  and  thanksgiving,  together  with  per- 
petual praise,  is  due  unto  thee  for  the  receiving  of 
thy  sacred  body  and  blood,  whose  preciousness  no 
man  is  able  to  express ! 

But  on  what  shall  my  thoughts  dwell  at  this  com- 
munion, in  thus  approaching  unto  my  Lord,  whom  I 
am  not  able  duly  to  honor,  and  yet  whom  I  cannot  but 
desire  devoutly  to  receive  ? 

3.  What  can  I  think  on  better,  and  more  profita- 
ble, than  utterly  to  humble  myself  before  thee,  and  to 
exalt  thine  infinite  goodness  over  me  ? 

I  praise  thee,  my  God,  and  will  exalt  thee  forever. 
I  do  despise  myself,  and  cast  myself  down  before 
thee,  into  the  deep  of  mine  own  unworthiness. 

Behold,  thou  art  the  Holy  of  Holies,  and  I  the  scum 
of  sinners ! 

Behold,  thou  inclinest  thyself  unto  me,  and  I  am 
not  worthy  so  much  as  to  look  up  unto  thee  ! 

Behold,  thou  comest  unto  me;  it  is  thy  will  to  be 
with  me ;  thou  invitest  me  to  thy  banquet. 

Thou  art  willing  to  give  me  heavenly  food  and 
bread  of  angels  to  eat,^  which  is  indeed  no  other  than 


'  Psalm  Ixxviii.  25;  John  vi.  33. 


246  m  in  iht  l0ltj  CSurtovi^t 


thyself  the  living  bread,  which  earnest  down  from 
heaven,  and  givest  life  unto  the  world. 

4.  Behold,  from  whence  doth  this  love  proceed! 
what  gracious  condescension  shineth  forth  herein! 
how  great  thanks  and  praises  are  due  unto  thee  for 
these  benefits ! 

O  how  great  and  profitable  was  thy  counsel,  when 
thou  didst  ordain  it!  how  sweet  and  pleasant  the 
banquet,  when  thou  gavest  thyself  to  be  our  food ! 

O  how  admirable  is  this  thy  working,  O  Lord,  how 
mighty  is  thy  power,  how  unspeakable  thy  truth  ! 

For  thou  didst  speak  the  word  and  all  things  were 
made ;  ^  and  this  was  done  which  thou  thyself  com- 
mandest. 

5.  A  thing  much  to  be  admired,  worthy  of  all 
faith,  and  surpassing  man's  understanding,  that  thou, 
my  Lord  God,  true  God  and  man,  shouldst  offer  thy- 
self wholly  to  us  in  a  little  bread  and  wine,  and  therein 
become  our  inexhaustible  support. 

Thou  who  art  the  Lord  of  the  universe,  and  stand- 
est  in  need  of  none,^  art  pleased  to  dwell  in  us  by 
means  of  this  thy  sacrament. 

Do  thou  preserve  my  heart  and  body  undefiled, 
that  with  a  cheerful  and  pure  conscience  I  may  be 
able  often  to  receive  to  my  everlasting  health,  those 
mysteries  which  thou  didst  specially  ordain  and  in- 
stitute for  thine  own  honor,  and  for  a  never-ceasing 
memorial  of  thyself. 

6.  Rejoice,  O  my  soul,  and  give  thanks  unto  God, 
for  so  noble  a  gift,  and  so  precious  a  consolation,  left 
unto  thee  in  this  vale  of  tears. 


*  Gen.  i. ;  Psalm  cxlviii.  5. 


^  Psalm  xvi.  2. 


CDf  tixt  (Rmfnt  0f  ^xtnutnt  (i^mmmxi^n.  247 


For  as  often  as  thou  callest  to  mind  this  mystery, 
and  receivest  the  body  of  Christ,  so  often  dost  thou 
go  over  the  work  of  thy  redemption,  and  art  made 
partaker  of  all  the  merits  of  Christ. 

For  the  love  of  Christ  is  never  diminished,  and  the 
greatness  of  his  propitiation  is  never  exhausted. 

Therefore  thou  oughtest  to  dispose  thyself  here- 
unto by  a  constant  fresh  renewing  of  thy  mind,  and 
to  weigh  with  attentive  consideration  the  great  mys- 
tery of  salvation. 

So  great,  so  new,  and  so  joyful  ought  it  to  seem 
unto  thee,  when  thou  comest  to  these  holy  mysteries, 
as  if  on  this  same  day  Christ  first  descending  into 
the  womb  of  the  virgin  were  become  man,  or  hang- 
ing on  the  cross  did  this  day  suffer  and  die  for  the 
salvation  of  mankind. 

CHAPTER  III. 

T/ia^  it  is  profitable  to  Communicate  often. 

TDEHOLD,  O  Lord,  I  come  unto  thee,  that  I  may 
^  be  comforted  in  thy  gift,  and  be  delighted  in  thy 
holy  banquet,  which  thou,  O  God,  hast  of  thy  good- 
ness prepared  for  the  poor.^ 

Behold  in  thee  is  all  whatsoever  I  can  or  ought  to 
desire;  and  thou  art  my  salvation  and  my  redemp- 
tion, my  hope  and  my  strength,  my  honor  and  glory. 

Make  therefore  this  day  the  soul  of  thy  servant 
joyful;  2  for  unto  thee,  O  Lord  Jesu,  have  I  lifted  up 
my  soul. 


*  Psalm  Ixviii.  lo. 


^  Psalm  Ixxxvi.  4. 


248   (^f      ^mftixt  iff  ^xt(imnt  (i^omnmxm. 


I  desire  to  receive  thee  now  with  devotion  and 
reverence.  I  desire  to  bring  thee  into  my  house, 
that  with  Zaccheus  I  may  be  blessed  by  thee,  and  be 
numbered  amongst  the  children  of  Abraham. 

My  soul  thirsteth  to  receive  thy  body  and  blood, 
my  heart  longeth  to  be  joined  to  thee. 

2.  Give  thyself  to  me,  and  it  sufficeth ;  for  beside 
thee  there  is  no  comfort. 

Without  thee  I  cannot  be ;  without  thy  visitation  I 
cannot  endure  to  live. 

And  therefore  I  must  needs  often  draw  near  unto 
thee,  and  receive  thee  for  the  medicine  of  my  soul; 
lest  haply  I  faint  by  the  way,  if  I  be  deprived  of  this 
heavenly  food. 

For  so,  most  merciful  Jesus,  thou  once  didst  say, 
when  preaching  to  the  people,  and  curing  divers  dis- 
eases, "  I  will  not  send  them  home  fasting,  lest  they 
faint  in  the  way.''^ 

Deal  thou  therefore  in  like  manner  now  with  me, 
who  hast  vouchsafed  to  leave  thyself  in  this  sacra- 
ment for  the  comfort  of  the  faithful. 

For  thou  art  the  sweet  refection  of  the  soul;  and 
he  that  eateth  thee  worthily  shall  be  partaker  and 
heir  of  everlasting  glory. 

It  is  needful  for  me,  who  so  often  fall  into  error 
and  sin,  and  so  quickly  wax  dull  and  faint,  that  by 
frequent  prayer  and  confession,  and  receiving  of  thy 
holy  body  and  blood,  I  renew,  cleanse,  and  inflame 
myself,  lest  haply,  by  long  abstaining,  I  fall  away 
from  my  holy  purposes. 

3.  For  the  imaginations  of  man  are  prone  unto 


*  Matt.  XV,  32;  Mark  viii.  3. 


evil  from  his  youth,^  and  unless  some  divine  remedy 
help  him,  he  quickly  falleth  away  to  worse  things. 

This  holy  communion  therefore  draweth  men  back 
from  evil,  and  strengtheneth  them  in  good. 

For  if  I  be  now  so  often  negligent  and  cold  when 
I  communicate;  what  would  become  of  me  if  I  re- 
ceived not  this  remedy,  and  sought  not  after  so  great 
a  help? 

Although  every  day  I  be  not  fit  nor  well  prepared; 
I  will  endeavor  notwithstanding  at  due  times  to  re- 
ceive the  divine  mysteries,  and  to  be  partaker  of  so 
great  a  grace. 

For  this  is  the  one  chief  consolation  of  faithful 
souls,  so  long  as  they  are  absent  from  thee  in  this 
mortal  body,  that  being  mindful  of  their  God,  they 
often  receive  their  beloved  with  devout  mind. 

4.  O  the  wonderful  condescension  of  thy  tender 
mercy  towards  us,  that  thou,  O  Lord  God,  the  creator 
and  giver  of  life  to  all  spirits,  dost  vouchsafe  to  come 
unto  a  poor  soul,  and  with  thy  whole  deity  and  hu- 
manity to  appease  the  hunger  thereof ! 

O  happy  minds  and  blessed  souls,  who  have  the 
privilege  of  receiving  thee,  their  Lord  God,  with 
devout  affection,  and  in  so  receiving  thee  are  permit- 
ted to  be  filled  with  spiritual  joy ! 

O  how  great  a  Lord  do  they  entertain !  how  be- 
loved a  guest  do  they  harbor  !  how  delightful  a  com- 
panion do  they  receive  !  how  faithful  a  friend  do  they 
welcome  !  how  lovely  and  noble  a  spouse  do  they 
embrace !  even  him  who  is  to  be  loved  above  all 


*  Gen.  viii.  21. 


250       iU  ^mUxt  tut  §mnt  (RommmUn. 


things  that  are  loved,  and  above  all  things  that  can  be 
desired. 

O  thou  the  most  sweet,  most  beloved,  let  heaven 
and  earth,  and  all  that  adorns  them,  be  silent  in  thy 
presence.  For  what  praise  and  beauty  soever  they 
have,  it  is  received  from  thy  bounteous  condescen- 
sion, and  shall  never  equal  the  grace  and  beauty  of 
thy  name,  whose  wisdom  is  infinite.^ 

CHAPTER  IV. 

T^af  many  Benefits  are  bestowed  upon  those  that 
communicate  devoutly, 

OLORD,  my  God,  do  thou  present  thy  servant  with 
the  blessings  of  thy  goodness,^  that  I  may  ap- 
proach worthily  and  devoutly  to  thy  glorious  sacra- 
ment. 

Stir  up  my  heart  unto  thee,  and  deliver  me  from  all 
dulness.  Visit  me  with  thy  salvation,^  that  I  may 
taste  in  spirit  thy  sweetness,  which  plentifully  lieth 
hid  in  this  sacrament  as  in  a  fountain. 

Enlighten  also  mine  eyes  to  behold  so  great  a  mys- 
tery, and  strengthen  me  with  undoubting  faith  to 
believe  it. 

For  it  is  thy  work,  and  no  human  power;  thy 
sacred  institution,  not  man's  invention. 

For  of  himself  no  man  is  able  to  comprehend  and 
understand  these  things,  which  surpass  the  under- 
standing even  of  angels. 


'  Psalm  cxlvii.  5.        ^  Psalm  xxi.  3.        ^  Psalm  cxi.  4. 


What  portion  then  of  so  high  and  sacred  a  mystery 
shall  I,  unworthy  sinner,  dust  and  ashes,  be  able  to 
search  out  and  comprehend  ? 

2.  O  Lord,  in  the  simplicity  of  my  heart,  with  a 
good  and  firm  faith,  and  at  thy  commandment,  I 
draw  near  unto  thee  with  hope  and  reverence ;  and 
do  truly  believe  that  thou  art  here  present  in  this 
sacrament,  both  God  and  man. 

Thy  will  is,  that  I  should  receive  thee,  and  that  I 
should  unite  myself  unto  thee  in  charity. 

Wherefore  I  implore  thy  mercy,  and  do  crave  thy 
special  grace,  to  the  end  I  may  wholly  be  dissolved 
and  overflow  with  love  unto  thee,  and  never  hereafter 
suffer  any  external  consolation  to  enter  in. 

For  this  most  high  and  precious  sacrament  is  the 
health  both  of  soul  and  body,  the  medicine  for  all 
spiritual  langour;  hereby  my  vices  are  cured,  my 
passions  bridled,  my  temptations  overcome  or  at 
least  weakened ;  greater  grace  is  infused,  virtue  be- 
gun is  increased,  faith  is  confirmed,  hope  strength- 
ened, and  love  inflamed  and  enlarged. 

3.  For  thou  hast  bestowed,  and  still  oftentimes 
dost  bestow  many  benefits  in  this  sacrament  upon  thy 
beloved  ones  that  communicate  devoutly,  O  my  God, 
the  protector  of  my  soul,  the  strengthener  of  human 
frailty,  and  the  giver  of  all  inward  comfort. 

Thou  impartest  unto  them  much  comfort  against 
sundry  tribulations ;  and  liftest  them  up  from  the 
depth  of  their  own  dejected  state,  to  hope  in  thy  pro- 
tection ;  and  dost  inwardly  refresh  and  enlighten 
them  with  new  grace,  so  that  they  who  at  first  and 
before  communion  felt  themselves  full  of  anxiety 


252  (^f      ®0mf0rt  0f  §mnt  &mmmxm. 


and  heartlessness,  afterwards,  being  refreshed  with 
heavenly  meat  and  drink,  do  find  in  themselves  a 
change  for  the  better. 

And  in  such  a  way  of  dispensation  thou  dealest 
with  thine  elect,  that  they  may  truly  acknowledge, 
and  clearly  prove,  how  great  their  own  infirmity  is, 
and  what  goodness  and  grace  they  obtain  from  thee. 

For  they  of  themselves  are  cold,  dull,  and  unde- 
vout;  but  by  thee  they  are  made  fervent,  cheerful,  and 
full  of  devotion. 

For  who  is  there,  that  approaching  humbly  unto 
the  fountain  of  sweetness,  doth  not  carry  away  from 
thence  at  least  some  little  sweetness  ? 

Or  who  standing  by  a  great  fire,  receiveth  not  some 
small  heat  thereby  ? 

And  thou  art  a  fountain  always  full  and  overflow- 
ing, a  fire  ever  burning  and  never  decaying.^ 

4.  Wherefore  if  I  am  not  permitted  to  draw  out  of 
the  full  fountain  itself,  nor  to  drink  my  fill,  I  will 
notwithstanding  set  my  lips  to  the  mouth  of  this 
heavenly  conduit,  that  I  may  receive  from  thence  at 
least  some  small  drop  to  refresh  my  thirst,  that  so  I 
may  not  be  wholly  dried  up. 

And  though  I  cannot  as  yet  be  altogether  heavenly, 
nor  so  full  of  love  as  the  cherubim  and  seraphim,  yet 
notwithstanding  I  will  endeavor  to  apply  myself  ear- 
nestly to  devotion,  and  prepare  my  heart  to  obtain  if 
it  be  but  some  small  spark  of  divine  fire,  by  the 
humble  receiving  of  this  life-giving  sacrament. 

And  whatsoever  is  hereunto  wanting  in  me,  O 


'Isaiah  xii.  3;  Lev.  vi.  13. 


merciful  Jesu,  most  holy  Saviour,  do  thou  bountifully 
and  graciously  supply  for  me,  thou  who  hast  vouch- 
safed to  call  us  all  unto  thee,  saying,  "  Come  unto  me 
all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  refresh 
you."i 

5.  I  indeed  labor  in  the  sweat  of  my  brows,^  I  am 
vexed  with  grief  of  heart,  I  am  burdened  with  sins,  I 
am  troubled  with  temptations,  I  am  entangled  and 
oppressed  with  many  evil  passions  ;  and  there  is  none 
to  help  me,  none  to  deliver  and  save  me,  but  thou  O 
Lord  God  my  Saviour,  to  whom  I  commit  myself  and 
all  that  is  mine,  that  thou  mayest  keep  watch  over 
me,  and  bring  me  safe  to  life  everlasting. 

Receive  me  for  the  honor  and  glory  of  thy  name, 
thou  who  hast  prepared  thy  body  and  blood  to  be  my 
meat  and  drink. 

Grant,  O  Lord  God,  my  Saviour,  that  by  frequent- 
ing the  celebration  of  thy  mysteries,  the  zeal  of  my 
devotion  may  grow  and  increase. 

CHAPTER  V. 

Of  the  Dignity  of  this  Sacra?nent,  and  of  the 
Ministerial  Function, 

TF  thou  had  St  the  purity  of  an  angel,^  and  the  sanc- 
tity  of  St.  John  Baptist,  thou  wouldst  not  be  worthy 

to  receive  or  to  administer  this  sacrament. 

For  it  is  not  within  the  compass  of  the  deserts  of 

men,  that  man  should  consecrate  and  administer  this 


*Matt.  xi.  28.      ^Gen.  iii.  19.       ^Matt.  xviii.  10. 


254  m  m  |!i0»ttjj  of  m  l^Iy 


sacrament  of  Christ,  and  receive  for  food  the  bread  of 
angels.i 

Great  is  this  mystery ;  and  great  is  the  dignity  of 
those  to  whom  is  granted  that  which  is  not  permitted 
to  angels. 

For  only  priests  rightly  ordained  in  the  church 
have  power  to  celebrate  this  sacrament,  and  to  conse- 
crate the  body  of  Christ. 

The  priest  is  indeed  the  minister  of  God,  using  the 
word  of  God,  by  God's  command  and  appointment : 
but  God  is  there  the  principal  author,  and  invisible 
worker;  to  whom  is  subject  all  that  he  shall  please, 
and  whom  everything  that  he  commandeth  doth 
obey.2 

2.  Thou  oughtest  therefore  more  to  believe  God 
Almighty  in  this  most  excellent  sacrament,  than  thine 
own  sense  or  any  visible  sign. 

And  therefore  thou  art  to  approach  this  holy  work 
with  fear  and  reverence. 

Consider  attentively  with  thyself,^  and  see  what 
that  is,  whereof  the  ministry  is  delivered  unto  thee  by 
the  laying  on  of  the  bishop's  hand. 

Behold,  thou  art  made  a  priest,  and  consecrated  to 
celebrate  the  Lord's  sacrament ;  take  heed  now  that 
thou  offer  this  sacrifice  to  God  faithfully  and  devoutly, 
and  at  fit  opportunities,  and  conduct  thyself  so  as 
thou  mayest  be  without  reproof. 

Thou  hast  not  lightened  thy  burden,  but  art  now 
bound  with  a  straiter  band  of  discipline,  and  art 
obliged  to  a  more  perfect  degree  of  sanctity. 


*  Psalm  Ixxviii.  25.  ^  i  Tim.  iv.  16. 

^  Gen.  i. ;  Psalm  xlix.  7 ;  Rom.  ix.  20. 


^pxxitml  (^xmxfit  Mm  (Hmmmim.  255 


A  priest  ought  to  be  adorned  with  all  graces,  and 
to  give  example  of  good  life  to  others. 

His  life  and  conversation  ^  should  not  be  in  the 
common  ways  of  mankind,  but  with  the  angels  in 
heaven,  or  with  perfect  men  on  earth. 

3.  A  priest  clad  in  sacred  garments  is  Christ's 
deputy,  that  with  all  supplication  and  humility  he 
may  beseech  God  for  himself  and  for  the  whole 
people.2 

Neither  ought  he  to  cease  from  prayer  and  holy 
oblation,  till  he  prevail  to  obtain  grace  and  mercy. 

When  a  priest  doth  celebrate  the  holy  eucharist,. 
he  honoreth  God,  he  rejoiceth  the  angels,  he  edifieth 
the  church,  he  helpeth  the  living,  he  maketh  mention 
of  the  departed,  and  maketh  himself  partaker  of  all 
good  things. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

An  Enquiry  concerning  Spiritual  Exercise  before 
Co7nmtinion, 

117HEN  I  weigh  thy  worthiness,  O  Lord,  and  mine 
''^  own  vileness,  I  tremble  exceedingly,  and  am 
confounded  within  myself. 

For  if  I  come  not  unto  thee,  I  fly  from  life,  and  if 
I  unworthily  intrude  myself,  I  incur  thy  displeasure. 

What  therefore  shall  I  do,  O  my  God,  my  helper 
and  my  counsellor  in  all  necessity  ? 

2.  Teach  thou  me  the  right  way,  appoint  me  some 
brief  exercise,  suitable  to  this  holy  communion. 


*  Phil.  iii.  20. 


Heb.  V.  3. 


256       ^M'(Bxmxnutx0ix  ytUxt  (fimmmi^n. 


For  it  is  good  for  me  to  know  how  I  should  rever- 
ently and  religiously  prepare  my  heart  for  thee,  for 
the  profitable  receiving  of  this  sacrament  of  thine,  or 
for  the  celebrating  of  so  great  and  divine  a  sacrifice. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

0/  thoroughly  searching  our  own  Conscience^  and 
of  Holy  Purposes  of  Amendment, 

A  BOVE  all  things,  God's  priest  ought  to  come  to 
^  celebrate  and  to  receive  this  sacrament  with 
very  great  humility  of  heart,  and  with  reverential 
supplication,  with  a  full  faith  and  a  dutiful  regard  for 
God's  honor. 

Examine  diligently  thy  conscience,  and  to  the  ut* 
most  of  thy  power  purify  and  cleanse  it  with  true 
contrition  and  humble  confession;  so  as  there  may 
be  nothing  in  thee,  that  may  be  burdensome  unto 
thee,  or  that  may  breed  in  thee  remorse  of  conscience, 
and  hinder  thy  free  access  to  the  throne  of  grace. 

Be  grieved  at  the  recollection  of  all  thy  sins  in 
general,  and  in  particular  bewail  and  lament  thy 
daily  transgressions. 

And  if  thou  hast  time,  confess  unto  God  in  the 
secret  of  thine  heart  all  the  miserable  evils  of  thy 
disordered  passions. 

2.  Lament  thou  and  grieve,  that  thou  art  yet  so 
carnal  and  worldly,  so  unmortified  in  thy  passions,  so 
full  of  the  motions  of  concupiscence : 

So  unwatchful  over  thy  outward  senses,  so  often 
entangled  with  many  vain  fancies : 


So  much  inclined  to  outward  things,  so  negligent 
in  things  inward  and  spiritual: 

So  prone  to  laughter  and  unbridled  mirth,  so  indis- 
posed to  tears  and  compunction : 

So  prompt  to  ease  and  pleasures  of  the  flesh,  so 
dull  to  strictness  of  life  and  zeal : 

So  curious  to  hear  news  and  to  see  beautiful  sights, 
so  slack  to  embrace  what  is  humble  and  low : 

So  covetous  of  abundance,  so  niggardly  in  giving, 
so  fast  in  keeping: 

So  inconsiderate  in  speech,  so  reluctant  to  keep 
silence : 

So  uncomposed  in  manners,  so  fretful  in  action: 
So  eager  about  food,  so  deaf  to  the  word  of  God: 
In  such  a  hurry  to  rest,  so  slow  to  labor: 
So  wakeful  in  vain  conversation,  so  drowsy  at  sa- 
cred services : 

So  hasty  to  arrive  at  the  end  thereof,  so  inclined  to 
be  wandering  and  inattentive : 

So  negligent  in  the  prayers,  so  lukewarm  in  cele- 
brating the  holy  eucharist,  so  dry  and  heartless  in 
receiving  it: 

So  quickl}^  distracted,  so  seldom  wholly  gathered 
into  thyself: 

So  suddenly  moved  to  anger,  so  apt  to  take  dis- 
pleasure against  another: 

So  ready  to  judge,  so  severe  to  reprove  : 
So  joyful  in  prosperity,  so  weak  in  adversity: 
So  often  making  good  resolutions,  and  yet  bringing 
khem  at  last  to  so  poor  effect. 

3.  These  and  other  thy  defects  being  confessed  and 
bewailed  with  sorrow  and  great  displeasure  at  thina 


own  infirmity,  make  thou  a  firm  resolution  always  to 
be  amending  thy  life,  and  to  be  endeavoring  always 
after  a  farther  progress  in  hohness. 

Then  with  full  resignation  and  with  thy  whole  will, 
do  thou,  to  the  honor  of  my  name,  offer  up  thyself  a 
perpetual  whole  burnt-offering  on  the  altar  of  thy 
heart,  faithfully  committing  thy  body  and  soul  unto  me. 

And  then  thou  mayest  be  accounted  worthy  to  draw 
near  to  celebrate  this  eucharistical  sacrifice  unto  God, 
and  to  receive  profitably  the  sacrament  of  my  body 
and  blood. 

4.  For  man  hath  no  oblation  more  worthy,  nor  any 
means  greater  for  the  destroying  of  sin,  than  to  offer 
himself  unto  God  purely  and  wholly,  in  the  holy  com- 
munion of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ. 

And  when  a  man  shall  have  done  what  lieth  in 
him,  and  shall  be  truly  penitent,  how  often  soever  he 
shall  come  to  me  for  pardon  and  grace,  "  As  I  live," 
saith  the  Lord,  "  who  will  not  the  death  of  a  sinner, 
but  rather  that  he  be  converted  and  live,^  I  will  not 
remember  his  sins  any  more,  but  they  shall  all  be 
forgiven  him." 

CHAPTER  VIIL 

Of  the  Oblation  of  Christ  on  the  Cross ^  and  of 
Resignation  of  Ourselves. 

OF  my  own  will  did  I  offer  up  myself  unto  God 
the   Father  for  thy  sins.^      My  hands  were 
stretched  forth  on  the  cross,  and  my  body  laid  bare. 


•Ezek.  xviii.  22,  23. 


*  Isaiah  liii.  5;  Heb.  ix.  20 


so  that  nothing  remained  in  me  that  was  not  wholly 
turned  into  a  sacrifice  for  the  appeasing  of  the  divine 
majesty. 

In  like  manner  oughtest  thou  also  to  offer  thyself 
willingly  unto  me  in  the  holy  communion,  as  a  pure 
and  sacred  oblation,  with  all  thy  strength  and  affec- 
tions, and  to  the  utmost  of  thine  inward  faculties. 

What  do  I  require  of  thee  more,  than  that  thou 
study  to  resign  thyself  entirely  unto  me  ? 

Whatsoever  thou  givest  besides  thyself  is  of  no 
value  in  my  sight,  for  I  seek  not  thy  gifts,  but  thee.^ 

2.  As  it  would  not  suffice  thee  to  have  all  things 
whatsoever,  without  me  ;  so  neither  can  it  please  me, 
whatsoever  thou  givest,  if  thou  give  not  thyself. 

Offer  up  thyself  unto  me,  and  give  thyself  wholly 
for  God,  and  thine  offering  shall  be  acceptable. 

Behold  I  offered  up  myself  wholly  unto  my  Father 
for  thee,  and  gave  my  whole  body  and  blood  for  thy 
food,  that  I  might  be  wholly  thine,  and  that  thou 
mightest  continue  mine  to  the  end. 

But  if  thou  abidest  in  thyself,  and  dost  not  offer 
thyself  up  freely  unto  my  will,  thine  oblation  is  not 
entire,  neither  will  there  be  perfect  union  between  us. 

Therefore  a  free  offering  of  thyself  into  the  hands 
of  God  ought  to  go  before  all  thine  actions,  if  thou 
desire  to  obtain  liberty  and  grace. 

For  this  cause  so  few  become  inwardly  free  and 
enlightened,  because  they  are  loath  wholly  to  deny 
themselves. 

My  sentence  standeth  sure,  "  Unless  a  man  forsake 
all,  he  cannot  be  my  disciple."  ^     If  thou  therefore 


*  Prov,  xxiii.  26.  ^  Luke  xiv.  33. 


260   (^f  jcrff^ting  ujr  U  (S^oA  M  that  H  (^^nx». 


desire  to  be  my  disciple,  offer  up  thyself  unto  me 
with  thy  whole  heart. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

T/zaf  we  ought  to  offer  up  Ourselves  and  All  that 
is  Ours  unto  God,  and  to  pray  for  AIL 

'THINE,  O  Lord,  are  all  things  that  are  in  heaven, 
and  that  are  in  earth.^ 

I  desire  to  offer  up  myself  unto  thee,  as  a  free  obla- 
tion, and  to  continue  thine  forever. 

O  Lord,  in  the  simplicity  of  my  heart  I  offer  myself 
unto  thee  this  day,  in  humble  submission,  for  a  sacri- 
fice of  perpetual  praise,  and  to  be  thy  servant  forever. 

Receive  thou  me,  with  this  holy  oblation  of  thy 
precious  body ;  which  offering  I  make  to  thee  this  day 
in  the  presence  of  angels  invisibly  attending;  and 
may  this  be  for  my  good  and  the  good  of  all  thy  people. 

2.  I  offer  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  all  my  sins  and  of- 
fences, which  I  have  committed  before  thee,  from  the 
day  wherein  I  first  could  sin,  to  this  hour.  I  offer 
them  upon  thy  merciful  altar,  that  thou  mayest  con- 
sume and  burn  them  all  with  the  fire  of  thy  love; 
that  thou  mayest  wash  out  all  the  stains  of  my  sins. 
Cleanse  my  conscience  from  all  offences,  and  restore 
to  me  again  thy  grace  which  I  have  lost  by  sin,  for- 
giving me  all  my  offences,  and  receiving  me  mercifully 
to  the  kiss  of  peace. 

3.  What  can  I  do  for  my  sins,^  but  humbly  confess 


*  Psalm  xxiv.  i. 


^  Psalm  xxxii.  5. 


and  bewail  them,  and  unceasingly  entreat  thy  favor 
and  propitiation  ? 

I  beseech  thee,  hear  me  graciously,  when  I  stand 
before  thee  my  God. 

All  my  sins  are  very  displeasing  unto  me.  I  will 
never  commit  them  any  more ;  but  I  grieve,  and  will 
grieve  for  them  as  long  as  I  live,  and  am  purposed  to 
repent  and  according  to  the  utmost  of  my  power  to 
'make  restitution. 

Forgive  me,  O  God,  forgive  me  my  sins  for  the  sake 
of  thy  holy  name ;  save  thou  my  soul  which  thou  hast 
redeemed  with  thy  most  precious  blood. 

Behold  I  commit  myself  unto  thy  mercy,  I  resign 
myself  into  thy  hands. 

Deal  with  me  according  to  thy  goodness,  not  ac- 
cording to  my  wickedness  and  iniquity. 

4.  I  offer  up  also  unto  thee  all  whatsoever  is  good 
in  me,  although  it  be  very  small  and  imperfect,  that 
thou  mayest  amend  and  sanctify  it.  Make  it  grate- 
ful and  acceptable  unto  thee,  and  always  perfect  it 
more  and  more  ;  and  bring  me  also,  who  am  a  sloth- 
ful and  unprofitable  creature,  to  a  good  and  blessed 
end. 

5.  I  offer  up  also  unto  thee  all  the  pious  desires  of 
devout  persons,  the  necessities  of  parents,  friends, 
brethren,  sisters,  and  of  all  those  that  are  dear  unto 
me,  and  that  have  done  good  either  to  myself  or  to 
others  for  thy  love. 

Also  all  that  have  desired  of  me  to  pray  for  them 
and  theirs. 

Grant  that  all  may  receive  the  help  of  thy  grace, 
the  aid  of  thy  consolation,  protection  from  dangers, 


deliverance  from  pain  ;  that  they  being  freed  from  all 
evils,  may  with  joy  return  abundant  thanksgivings 
unto  thee. 

6.  I  offer  up  also  unto  thee  my  prayers  and  inter- 
cessions for  those  especially  who  have  in  anything 
wronged,  grieved,  or  slandered  me,  or  have  done  me 
any  damage  or  displeasure. 

I  pray  for  all  those  also,  whom  I  have  at  any  time 
vexed,  troubled,  grieved,  and  scandalized  by  words 
or  deeds,  knowingly  or  in  ignorance ;  that  it  may 
please  thee  to  forgive  us  all  our  sins  and  offences,  one 
against  another. 

Take  away  from  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  all  suspicious- 
ness, indignation,  wrath,  and  contention,  and  whatso- 
ever may  hurt  charity,  and  lessen  brotherly  love. 

Have  mercy,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  on  those  that 
crave  thy  mercy,  give  grace  unto  them  that  stand  in 
need  thereof,  and  make  us  such  as  that  we  may  be 
counted  worthy  to  enjoy  thy  grace  and  go  forward  to 
life  eternal.  Amen. 

CHAPTER  X. 

That  the  Holy  Communion  is  not  lightly  to  be 
forborne. 

FHOU  oughtest  often  to  have  recourse  to  the 
fountain  of  grace  and  of  divine  mercy,  to  the 
fountain  of  goodness  and  of  all  purity;  that  thou 
mayest  be  healed  of  thy  sins  and  passions,  and  be 
made  more  strong  and  vigilant  against  all  the  tempta- 
tions and  deceits  of  the  devil. 


The  enemy,  knowing  what  exceeding  great  profit 
and  restoring  power  cometh  by  the  holy  communion, 
endeavoreth  by  all  means  and  occasions  to  withdraw 
and  hinder  faithful  and  devout  persons  from  partak- 
ing therein. 

2.  Thus  it  is  that  some  persons,  when  they  are 
preparing  to  fit  themselves  for  holy  communion, 
suffer  from  the  suggestions  of  Satan  worse  than 
before. 

That  wicked  spirit  himself  (as  it  is  written  in  Job) 
cometh  amongst  the  sons  of  God,^  to  trouble  them 
according  to  his  accustomed  malice,  or  to  render 
them  over-fearful  and  perplexed;  that  so  he  may 
diminish  their  affections,  or  by  direct  assaults  take 
away  their  faith,  to  the  end  he  may  prevail  on  them,  if 
possible,  either  altogether  to  forbear  communicating, 
or  at  least  to  come  with  lukewarmness. 

But  there  is  no  heed  at  all  to  be  taken  of  these  his 
crafty  and  fanciful  suggestions,  be  they  never  so  filthy 
and  hideous,  but  all  such  vain  imaginations  are  to  be 
turned  back  upon  his  own  head. 

Thou  must  despise  him  and  laugh  him  to  scorn,  nor 
dare  to  omit  the  holy  communion  on  account  of  his 
assaults,  or  for  the  troubles  which  he  raiseth  within 
thee. 

3.  Oftentimes  also  a  too  great  solicitude  for  the 
obtaining  a  certain  height  of  devotion,  and  a  kind  of 
anxiety  about  the  confession  of  sins,  hindereth  thee. 

Follow  herein  the  counsel  of  the  wise,^  and  lay 
aside  all  anxiety  and  scrupulousness  ;  for  it  hindereth 


*Job  i.  6. 


^  Prov.  xiii. 


the  grace  of  God,  and  overthroweth  the  devotion  oi 
•   the  mind. 

Do  not  omit  the  holy  communion  for  every  smaD 
vexation  and  trouble,  but  rather  proceed  at  once  to 
confess  thy  sins,  and  cheerfully  forgive  others  what 
ever  offences  they  have  done  against  thee. 

And  if  thou  hast  offended  any,  humbly  crave  par 
don,  and  God  will  readily  forgive  thee.^ 

4.  What  availeth  it  to  delay  long  the  confession 
of  thy  sins,  or  to  defer  the  holy  communion  ? 

Make  thyself  thoroughly  clean  as  soon  as  possible. 
Spit  out  the  poison  with  all  speed,  make  haste  to 
apply  this  sovereign  remedy,  and  thou  shalt  find  it  to 
be  better  with  thee  than  if  thou  long  defer  it. 

If  thou  omit  it  to-day  for  one  cause,  perhaps  to- 
morrow another  of  greater  force  may  occur  to  thee ; 
and  so  thou  mayest  be  hindered  a  long  time  from 
communion,  and  grow  more  and  more  unfit. 

As  quickly  as  ever  thou  canst,  shake  off  from  thy- 
self all  present  heaviness  and  sloth.  For  it  is  of  no 
use  to  continue  long  in  disquietness,  or  to  be  going 
on  long  with  a  disturbed  conscience,  and  so  for  every 
day  impediments  to  separate  thyself  from  this  divine 
service. 

Yea,  it  is  very  hurtful  to  defer  the  communion  long, 
for  this  usually  brings  on  heavy  spiritual  drowsiness. 

Alas,  some  lukewarm  undisciplined  persons  do 
willingly  delay  confessing  their  sins,  and  defer  the 
holy  communion,  lest  they  should  be  engaged  to  keep 
a  stricter  watch  over  themselves. 


'  Matt.  vi.  14. 


5.  O  how  poor  and  mean  is  their  love,  how  weak 
their  devotion,  who  so  easily  put  off  the  holy  com- 
munion ! 

How  happy  is  he  and  how  acceptable  to  God,  who 
so  ordereth  his  life,  and  in  such  purity  keepeth  his 
conscience,  that  he  is  prepared  and  well-disposed  to 
communicate  even  every  day,  if  it  were  in  his  power, 
and  if  it  might  be  done  without  being  seen  of  men. 

If  a  person  do  sometimes  abstain  out  of  humility, 
or  by  reason  of  some  lawful  cause  preventing  him, 
he  is  to  be  commended  so  far  as  it  ariseth  from  i, 
feeling  of  reverence. 

But  if  a  spiritual  drowsiness  have  crept  over  him, 
he  must  bestir  himself,  and  do  what  lieth  in  him; 
and  the  Lord  will  assist  his  desire,  for  the  good  will 
he  hath  thereto,  which  is  what  God  doth  chiefly 
respect. 

6.  But  when  any  lawful  hindrance  doth  happen, 
he  will  yet  always  have  a  good  will,  and  a  pious  in- 
tention to  communicate,  and  so  shall  he  not  lose  the 
fruit  of  this  sacrament. 

For  any  devout  person  may  every  day  and  every 
hour  profitably  and  without  let  draw  near  to  Christ 
in  spiritual  communion. 

And  yet  on  certain  days,  and  at  times  appointed, 
he  ought  to  receive  sacramentally,  with  affectionate 
reverence,  the  body  and  blood  of  his  Redeemer,  and 
rather  seek  the  honor  and  glory  of  God,  than  his 
own  comfort.^ 

For  he  communicateth  mystically,  and  is  invisibly 


*  I  Cor.  xi. 


refreshed,  as  often  as  he  devoutly  calleth  to  mind  the 
mystery  of  the  incarnation  and  the  passion  of  Christ, 
and  is  inflamed  with  the  love  of  him. 

7.  He  that  prepareth  not  himself,  except  only 
when  a  festival  draweth  near,  or  when  custom  com- 
pelleth  him  thereunto,  shall  too  often  be  unprepared. 

Blessed  is  he  that  offereth  up  himself  as  a  whole 
burnt-offering  to  the  Lord,  as  often  as  he  doth  admin- 
ister or  receive  the  holy  communion. 

Be  not  too  slow  nor  yet  hurried  in  celebrating,  but 
keep  the  accustomed  manner  of  those  with  whom 
thou  livest. 

Thou  oughtest  not  to  be  tedious  and  troublesome 
to  others,  but  to  observe  the  received  custom ;  ac- 
cording to  the  appointment  of  our  fathers;  and 
rather  to  yield  thyself  up  to  the  edification  of  others, 
than  to  thine  own  devotion  or  feelings. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ  and  the  Holy 
Scriptures  are  most  necessary  unto  a  Faithful 
SouL 

0 BLESSED  Lord  Jesus,  how  great  is  the  happi- 
ness of  a  devout  soul  that  feasteth  with  thee  in 
thy  banquet;  where  there  is  set  no  other  food  to  be 
eaten  but  thyself,  the  only  Beloved,  and  most  to  be 
desired  above  all  the  desires  of  the  heart! 

And  verily  it  would  be  a  sweet  thing  unto  me  in 
thy  presence  to  pour  out  tears  from  the  very  bottom 


m  W^m'»  MvitUml  Jm4       fiflftt  267 


of  my  heart,  and  with  grateful  Magdalene  to  wash  thy 
feet  with  tears.^ 

But  where  now  is  that  devotion  ?  where  that  plenti- 
ful effusion  of  holy  tears  ? 

Surely  in  the  sight  of  thee  and  thy  holy  angels,  my 
whole  heart  ought  to  be  inflamed,  and  even  to  weep 
for  joy. 

For  in  this  sacrament  I  have  thee  truly  present, 
though  hidden  under  another  representation. 

2.  For  to  behold  thee  in  thine  own  divine  bright- 
ness mine  eyes  would  not  be  able  to  endure,  nor 
could  even  the  whole  world  stand  in  the  splendor  of 
the  glory  of  thy  majesty. 

Herein  then  dost  thou  have  regard  to  my  weak- 
ness, that  thou  dost  veil  thyself  under  this  outward 
sacramental  sign. 

Him  I  do  really  possess  and  adore  whom  the  angels 
adore  in  heaven ;  but  I,  for  the  present  and  in  the 
mean  time,  by  faith :  they,  by  sight,  and  without  a 
veil. 

I  ought  to  be  content  with  the  light  of  true  faith, 
and  to  walk  therein,  until  the  day  of  everlasting 
brightness  dawns,  and  the  shadows  of  figures  pass 
away. 

But  when  that  which  is  perfect  is  come,  the  use  of 
sacraments  shall  cease ;  ^  because  the  blessed,  in  their 
heavenly  glory,  need  not  any  sacramental  remedy. 

For  they  rejoice  without  end  in  the  presence  of 
God,  beholding  his  glory  face  to  face;  and  being 
transformed  from  glory  to  glory  into  his  image,  they 


*  Luke  vii.  38. 


*  I  Cor.  xiii.  10. 


268  m  P^'S  ^i^kitMl        mA  P0&t 


taste  the  Word  of  God  made  flesh,  as  he  was  from 
the  beginning,  and  as  he  abideth  for  ever. 

3.  Whilst  I  am  mindful  of  these  wonderful  things, 
it  becometh  tedious  unto  me,  even  all  spiritual  com- 
fort whatsoever,  because  so  long  as  I  behold  not  my 
Lord  openly  in  his  own  glory,  I  make  no  account  at 
all  of  whatsoever  I  see  or  hear  in  this  world. 

Thou  art  witness  unto  me,  O  God,  that  nothing  can 
comfort  me,  no  creature  can  give  me  rest,  but  thou 
only,  my  God,  whom  I  long  to  contemplate  everlast- 
ingly. 

But  this  is  not  possible,  so  long  as  I  linger  in  this 
mortality. 

Therefore  1  must  frame  myself  to  much  patience ; 
and  submit  myself  to  thee  in  all  my  desires. 

For  even  thy  saints,  O  Lord,  who  now  rejoice  with 
thee  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  whilst  they  lived, 
waited  in  faith  and  in  great  patience  for  the  coming 
of  thy  glory.i  What  they  believed,  I  believe  also; 
what  they  hoped  for,  I  hope  for;  whither  they  are 
arrived,  I  trust  I  shall  arrive  by  thy  grace. 

In  the  mean  time  I  will  walk  in  faith,  strengthened 
by  the  examples  of  the  saints. 

I  have  also  holy  books  for  my  comfort  and  for  the 
glass  of  my  life,  and  above  all  these,  thy  most  holy 
body  and  blood  for  a  remedy  and  refuge. 

4.  For  I  perceive  two  things  to  be  very  particularly 
necessary  for  me  in  this  life,  without  which  it  would 
be  unsupportable  unto  me. 

Whilst  I  am  detained  in  the  prison  of  this  body,  I 


'Heb.  X.  35,  36  J  xi. 


m  W^m'»  ^pixitml        mA  fight  269 


acknowledge  myself  to  stand  in  need  of  two  things, 
namely,  food  and  light 

Unto  ma  then  thus  weak  and  helpless  thou  hast 
given  thy  sacred  body,  for  the  refreshment  both  of 
my  soul  and  body ;  ^  and  thy  word  thou  hast  set  as  a 
light  unto  my  f eet.^ 

Without  these  two  I  should  not  be  able  to  live ;  for 
the  word  of  God  is  the  light  of  my  soul,  and  thy  sac- 
rament the  bread  of  life. 

These  also  may  be  called  the  two  tables,  set  on  the 
one  side  and  on  the  other,  in  the  treasury  and  jewel- 
house  of  the  holy  church.^ 

One  table  is  that  of  the  sacred  altar,  having  the 
holy  bread,  that  is  the  precious  body  of  Christ;  the 
other  is  that  of  the  divine  law,  containing  holy  doc- 
trine, teaching  men  the  right  faith,  and  steadily  con- 
ducting them  forward  even  to  that  within  the  veil, 
where  is  the  holy  of  holies. 

Thanks  be  unto  thee,  O  Lord  Jesu,  thou  light  of 
everlasting  light  for  that  table  of  holy  doctrine  which 
thou  hast  prepared  for  us  by  thy  servants  the  prophets 
and  apostles  and  other  teachers. 

5.  Thanks  be  unto  thee,  O  thou  Creator  and  Redeem- 
er of  mankind,  who  to  manifest  thy  love  to  the  whole 
world,  hast  prepared  a  great  supper,^  wherein  thou 
hast  set  before  us  to  be  eaten,  not  the  typical  lamb, 
but  thine  own  most  sacred  body  and  blood,^  rejoicing 
all  the  faithful  with  this  holy  banquet,  and  replenish- 
ing them  to  the  full  with  the  cup  of  salvation,^  in 


^  John  vi.  51.  *  Psalm  cxix.  105. 

3 Psalm  xxiii.  5;  Heb.  ix.  2;  xiii.  10.        '♦Luke  xiv.  16, 
^John  vi.  53-56.  ^  Psalm  xxiii.  5;  Wisd.  xvi.  20,  21. 


270  m  p^tt^s  ^fxxitml        m&  WW* 


which  are  all  the  delight  of  paradise ;  and  the  holy 
angels  do  feast  with  us,  but  yet  with  a  more  happy 
sweetness. 

6.  O  how  great  and  honorable  is  the  office  of  God's 
priests,  to  whom  it  is  given  with  sacred  words  to 
consecrate  this  sacrament  of  the  Lord  of  glory  ;  with 
their  lips  to  bless,  with  their  hands  to  hold,  with  their 
own  mouth  to  receive,  and  also  to  administer  to 
others  1 

O  how  clean  ought  those  hands  to  be,  how  pure 
that  mouth,  how  holy  that  body,  how  unspotted  that 
heart,  where  the  author  of  purity  so  often  entereth  ! 

Nothing  but  what  is  holy,  no  word  but  what  is  good 
and  profitable,  ought  to  proceed  irom  the  mouth  of 
him  who  so  often  receiveth  this  sacrament  of  Christ. 

7.  Simple  and  chaste  ought  to  be  the  eyes  that  are 
wont  to  behold  the  body  of  Christ ;  the  hands  should 
be  pure  and  lifted  up  to  heaven,  that  use  to  touch 
these  emblems  of  the  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth. 

Unto  the  priests  especially  it  is  said  in  the  law, 
"  Be  ye  holy,  for  that  I  the  Lord  your  God  am  holy."  ^ 

8.  O  Almighty  God,  do  thou  assist  us  with  thy 
grace,  that  we  who  have  undertaken  the  office  of  the 
priesthood,  may  be  able  to  serve  thee  worthily  and 
devoutly,  in  all  purity,  and  with  a  good  conscience. 

And  if  we  live  not  in  so  great  innocency  as  we 
ought  to  do,  grant  to  us  at  the  least  worthily  to  lament 
the  sins  which  we  have  committed;  and  in  the  spirit 
of  humility,  and  with  the  full  purpose  of  a  good  will, 
to  serve  thee  more  earnestly  for  the  time  to  come. 


*  Levit.  xix.  2 ;  xx.  26. 


m  n  imt  m  f0v  m  ii^iy  (^utikntm.  271 


CHAPTER  XII. 

T/za^  he  who  is  about  to  communicate  with  Christ 
ought  to  prepare  himself  with  great  Diligencec 

T  AM  the  lover  of  purity  and  the  giver  of  all 
^  sanctity. 

I  seek  a  pure  heart,  and  there  is  the  place  of  my 
rest.^ 

Make  ready  for  me  a  large  upper  room  furnished,'^ 
and  I  will  keep  the  passover  at  thy  house  with  my 
disciples. 

If  thou  wilt  have  me  come  unto  thee,  and  remain 
with  thee,  purge  out  the  oid  ieaven,^'  and  make  clean 
the  habitation  of  thy  heart. 

Shut  out  the  whole  world,^  and  all  the  throng  of 
sins :  sit  thou  as  it  were  a  sparrow  alone  upon  the 
house-top,  and  think  over  thy  transgressions  in  the 
bitterness  of  thy  soul. 

For  every  one  that  loveth  will  prepare  the  best  and 
fairest  place  for  his  beloved ;  for  herein  is  known  the 
affection  of  him  that  entertaineth  his  beloved. 

2.  Know  thou  notwithstanding,  that  the  merit  of 
no  action  of  thine  is  able  to  make  this  preparation 
sufficient,  although  thou  shouldst  prepare  thyself  a 
whole  year  together,  and  have  nothing  else  in  thy 
mind. 

But  it  is  out  of  my  mere  grace  and  favor  that  thou 
art  permitted  to  come  to  my  table.    As  if  a  beggar 


^  Psalm  xxiv.  4 ;  Matt.  v.  8.  ^  i  Cor.  v.  7. 

^Markxiv.  14,  15;  Luke  xxii.  11,  12.       *  Exodus  xxiv.  18. 


272  m  ^  fart  fit  f0t  tU  l^la  (Bn^Mm. 


were  invited  to  a  rich  man's  dinner,  and  he  hath  no 
other  return  to  make  to  him  for  his  benefits,  but  to 
humble  himself  and  give  him  thanks. 

Do  what  lieth  in  thee,  and  do  it  diligently;  not  for 
custom,  not  for  necessity;  but  with  fear  and  rever- 
ence and  affection  receive  the  body  and  blood  of  thy 
beloved  Saviour,  when  he  vouchsafeth  to  come  unto 
thee. 

I  am  he  that  have  called  thee,  I  have  commanded  it 
to  be  done,  I  will  supplv  what  is  wanting  in  thee ; 
come  thou  and  receive  me. 

3.  When  I  bestow  on  thee  the  grace  of  devotion, 
give  thanks  to  thy  God  ;  not  because  thou  art  worthy, 
but  because  I  have  had  mercy  on  thee. 

If  thou  have  it  not,  but  rather  dost  feel  thyself  dry : 
be  instant  in  prayer,  sigh  and  knock,  and  give  not  over 
until  thou  have  received  some  crumb  or  drop  of  sav- 
ing grace. 

Thou  hast  need  of  me,  I  have  no  need  of  thee. 

Neither  comest  thou  to  sanctify  me,  but  I  come  to 
sanctify  and  make  thee  holy. 

Thou  comest  that  thou  mayest  be  sanctified  by  me, 
and  united  unto  me,  that  thou  mayest  receive  new 
grace,  and  be  stirred  up  anew  to  amendment  of  life. 

Neglect  not  this  grace,  but  prepare  thy  heart  with 
all  diligence,  and  receive  thy  beloved  into  thy  soul. 

4.  But  thou  oughtest  not  only  to  prepare  thyself 
to  devotion  before  communion,  but  carefully  also  to 
preserve  thyself  therein,  after  thou  hast  received  this 
sacrament. 

Nor  is  the  careful  guard  of  thyself  afterwards  less 
required,  than  devout  preparation  before. 


m  mmm  wm  mm  in  m  i^ig  ($udt»rf#t  273 


For  a  good  guard  afterwards  is  the  best  prepara- 
tion again  for  the  obtaining  of  greater  grace. 

For  if  a  person  gives  himself  up  at  once  too  much 
to  outward  consolations,  he  is  rendered  thereby  greatly 
indisposed  to  devotion. 

Beware  of  much  talk,^  remain  in  some  secret  place, 
and  enjoy  thy  God ;  for  thou  hast  him,  whom  all  the 
world  cannot  take  from  thee. 

I  am  he,  to  whom  thou  oughtest  wholly  to  give  up 
thyself,  that  so  thou  mayest  now  live  the  rest  of  thy 
time,  not  in  thyself,  but  in  me,  and  be  free  from  all 
anxious  care. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

T/ta^  the  Devout  Soul  ought  with  the  whole  Heart 
to  seek  Union  with  Christ  in  this  Sacrament. 

TTOW  shall  I  obtain  this  favor,  O  Lord,  to  find  thee 
alone  and  by  thyself,  to  open  unto  thee  my 
whole  heart,  and  to  enjoy  thee  even  as  my  soul  de- 
sireth?  so  that  henceforth  none  may  look  upon  me, 
nor  any  creature  move  me,  nor  have  regard  to  me : 
but  that  thou  alone  mayest  speak  unto  me,  and  I  to 
thee,  as  the  beloved  is  wont  to  speak  to  his  beloved, 
and  a  friend  to  banquet  with  his  friend.^ 

This  I  beg,  this  I  long  for,  that  I  may  be  wholly 
united  unto  thee,  and  may  withdraw  my  heart  from 
all  created  things,  and  may  learn  more  and  more  by 
means  of  this  sacred  communion,  and  the  often  cele- 
brating thereof,  to  relish  things  heavenly  and  eternal 


'  ProY.  X.  19. 


^  Exod.  xxxiii.  1 1 ;  Cant,  viii.  2. 


Ah,  Lord  God,  when  shall  I  be  wholly  united  to 
thee,  and  absorbed  by  thee,  and  become  altogether 
forgetful  of  myself? 

"Thou  in  me,  and  I  in  thee;"^  so  also  grant  that 
we  may  both  continue  together  in  one. 

2.  Verily,  thou  art  my  beloved,  the  choicest  among 
thousands,^  in  whom  my  soul  is  well  pleased  to  dwell 
all  the  days  of  her  life. 

Verily,  thou  art  my  peacemaker,  in  whom  is  high- 
est peace  and  true  rest,  out  of  whom  is  labor  and 
sorrow  and  infinite  misery. 

Verily,  thou  art  a  God  that  hidest  thyself,^  and  thy 
counsel  is  not  with  the  wicked,  but  thy  speech  is  with 
the  humble  and  simple  of  heart.^ 

O  how  sweet  is  thy  spirit,  O  Lord,  who  to  the  end 
thou  mightest  show  forth  thy  sweetness  toward  thy 
children,  dost  vouchsafe  to  feed  them  with  the  bread 
which  is  full  of  all  sweetness,  even  that  which  cometh 
down  from  heaven.^ 

Surely  there  is  no  other  nation  so  great,^  that  hath' 
God  so  nigh  unto  them,  as  thou  our  God  art  present 
to  all  thy  faithful  ones,  unto  whom,  for  their  daily 
comfort  and  for  the  raising  up  of  their  hearts  to 
heaven,  thou  bestowest  thyself. 

3.  For  what  other  nation  is  there  of  such  high 
renown,  as  the  Christian  people  ? 

Or  what  creature  under  heaven,  is  there  so  beloved, 
as  the  devout  soul,  into  which  God  himself  entereth, 
to  nourish  it  with  himself  ? 

"John  XV.  4o  3 Isaiah  xlv.  15.  ^Wisd.  xvi.  20,  21.  - 
*  Cant.  V.  la       *  Prov.  iii.  34-  *  Deut.  iv,  7. 


0  unspeakable  grace  !  O  admirable  condescension  I 
O  immeasurable  love  specially  bestowed  on  man ! 

But  what  return  shall  I  make  to  the  Lord  for  this 
grace,^  for  charity  so  unparalleled  ? 

There  is  nothing  else  that  I  am  able  to  present 
more  acceptable,  than  to  offer  my  heart  wholly  to  my 
God,  and  to  unite  it  most  inwardly  unto  him. 

Then  shall  all  my  inward  parts  rejoice,  when  my 
soul  shall  be  perfectly  united  unto  God. 

Then  will  he  say  unto  me,  "  If  thou  art  willing  to  be 
with  me,  I  am  willing  to  be  with  thee." 

And  I  will  answer  him,  "  Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to 
remain  with  me,  for  I  will  gladly  be  with  thee. 

"  This  is  my  whole  desire,  that  my  heart  be  united 
unto  thee." 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Of  the  Fervent  Desire  of  some  Devout  Persons  to 
receive  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ, 

OHOW  great  is  the  abundance  of  thy  goodness,  O 
Lord,  which  thou  hast  laid  up  for  them  that  fear 
thee  !  2 

When  I  call  to  mind  some  devout  persons,  who 
approach  to  this  thy  sacrament,  O  Lord,  with  the 
greatest  devotion  and  affection,  I  am  oftentimes  con- 
founded and  blush  within  myself,  that  I  come  with 
such  lukewarmness,  yea,  coldness,  to  thine  altar  and 
the  table  of  sacred  communion. 

1  grieve  that  I  remain  so  dry,  and  without  hearty 


'  Psalm  cxvi.  12. 


*  Psalm  xxxL  19. 


276  m  ^mm^i  in  mdvittfl  tint  ii^lg  (Snt/bnxi»t 


affection ;  that  I  am  not  wholly  inflamed  in  thy  pres- 
ence, O  my  God,  and  not  so  earnestly  drawn  and 
affected  as  many  devout  persons  have  been. 

For  there  have  been  some  who  out  of  a  vehement 
desire  of  the  holy  communion,  and  strong  affection 
of  heart  could  not  restrain  themselves  from  weeping. 
And  these  with  desire,  both  of  soul  and  body,  ear- 
nestly longed  after  thee,  O  God,  the  fountain  of  life : 
not  being  otherwise  able  to  allay  or  satisfy  theii* 
hunger,  but  by  receiving  thy  body  and  blood  with  all 
delight  and  spiritual  eagerness. 

2.  O  the  truly  ardent  faith  of  such  a  clear  argu- 
ment of  thy  sacred  presence  1 

For  they  truly  know  their  Lord  in  the  breaking  of 
bread,^  whose  heart  within  them  so  vehemently  bum- 
eth,  whilst  thou,  O  blessed  Jesu,  dost  walk  and  con- 
verse with  them. 

Such  affection  and  devotion  as  this,  love  and  fer- 
vency so  vehement,  are  too  often  far  from  me. 

Be  thou  favorable  unto  me,  O  merciful  Jesu,  sweet 
and  gracious  Lord,  ar.d  grant  to  me  thy  poor  needy 
creature,  sometimes  at  least  in  this  holy  communion 
to  feel  if  it  be  but  a  small  portion  of  thy  hearty  love, 
that  my  faith  may  become  more  strong,  my  hope  in 
thy  goodness  may  be  increased,  and  that  charity  once 
perfectly  kindled  within  me,  after  the  tasting  of  this 
heavenly  manna,  may  never  decay. 

3.  But  thy  mercy  is  able  to  grant  me  the  grace 
which  I  long  for,  and  in  the  day  when  it  shall  please 
thee  to  visit  me  most  mercifully  with  the  spirit  of 
fervor. 


*  Luke  xxiv,  32,  35. 


(f^f  ^t\t'§tnM  in     f  mtia  of  §mtx0n.  277 


For  although  I  burn  not  with  such  vehement  desire 
as  those  who  are  so  specially  devoted  to  thee;  yet 
notwithstanding  by  thy  grace  I  long  for  this  great 
and  burning  desire,  praying  from  the  heart  that  I 
may  participate  with  all  such  thy  fervent  lovers,  and 
be  numbered  among  them  in  their  holy  companyo 

CHAPTER  XV. 

T/^af  the  Grace  of  Devotion  is  obtained  by  Humil- 
ity and  Denial  of  Ourselves, 

'PHOU  oughtest  to  seek  the  grace  of  devotion  in- 
stantly,  to  ask  it  earnestly,  to  wait  for  it  with 
patience  and  confidence,  to  receive  it  with  thankful- 
ness, to  keep  it  humbly,  to  work  with  it  diligently, 
and  to  commit  the  term  and  manner  of  this  heavenly 
visitation  to  God,  until  it  shall  please  him  to  come 
unto  thee. 

Thou  oughtest  especially  to  humble  thyself,  when 
thou  feelest  inwardly  little  or  no  devotion;  and  yet 
not  to  be  too  much  dejected,  nor  to  grieve  inordi- 
nately. 

God  often  giveth  in  one  short  moment  that  which 
he  for  a  long  time  hath  denied :  he  giveth  sometimes 
in  the  end,  that  which  in  the  beginning  of  thy  prayer 
he  deferred  to  grant. 

2.  If  grace  were  always  presently  given,  and  were 
ever  at  hand  with  a  wish,  weak  man  could  not  well 
bear  it. 

Therefore  the  grace  of  devotion  is  to  be  waited  for 
with  good  hope  and  humble  patience. 


278  m  Mf'^tnm  in  m  f  artite  ot  ^mtkn. 


Nevertheless,  do  thou  impute  it  to  thyself,  and  to 
thine  own  sins,  when  this  grace  is  not  given  thee,  or 
when  it  is  secretly  taken  away. 

It  is  sometimes  but  a  small  matter  that  hindereth 
and  hideth  grace  from  us ;  at  least  if  anything  can 
be  called  small,  and  not  rather  a  weighty  matter, 
which  hindereth  so  great  a  good. 

But  if  thou  remove  this,  be  it  great  or  small,  and 
perfectly  overcome  it,  thou  shalt  have  thy  desire. 

3.  For  immediately,  as  soon  as  thou  givest  thyself 
to  God  from  thy  whole  heart,  and  seekest  not  this  nor 
that,  according  to  thine  own  pleasure  or  will,  but 
settlest  thyself  wholly  in  him,  thou  shalt  find  thyself 
united  to  him,  and  at  peace ;  for  nothing  can  afford 
so  sweet  a  relish,  nothing  can  be  so  delightful,  as  the 
good  pleasure  of  the  divine  will. 

Whosoever  therefore,  with  a  single  heart,  lifteth 
up  his  intention  to  God,  and  keepeth  himself  clear  of 
all  inordinate  love  or  dislike  of  any  created  thing,  he 
shall  be  the  most  fit  to  receive  grace,  and  meet  for 
the  gift  of  true  devotion. 

For  the  Lord  bestoweth  his  blessings  there,  where 
he  findeth  the  vessels  empty. 

And  the  more  perfectly  a  man  forsaketh  these  low 
things,  and  the  more  he  dieth  to  himself  by  contempt 
of  himself,  the  more  speedily  shall  grace  come,  and 
shall  enter  in  the  more  plentifully,  and  shall  lift  up 
the  free  heart  higher. 

4.  Then  shall  he  see,  and  flow  together,  and  won- 
der, and  his  heart  shall  be  enlarged  ^  within  him,  be- 
cause the  hand  of  the  Lord  is  with  him,  and  he  hath 


*  Isaiah  Ix.  5. 


put  himself  wholly  into  his  hand,  even  forever  and 
ever. 

Behold,  thus  shall  the  man  be  blessed,  who  seeketh 
God  with  his  whole  heart,  and  receiveth  not  his  soul 
in  vain. 

This  man  in  receiving  the  holy  eucharist,  obtaineth 
the  great  favor  of  divine  union ;  for  that  he  looketh 
not  to  hi^  own  devotion  and  comfort,  but  above  all 
devotion  and  comfort  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God. 

CHAPTER  XVL 

T/ia^  we  ought  to  lay  open  our  Necessities  to 
Christy  a7id  to  crave  His  Grace, 

r\  THOU  most  sweet  and  loving  Lord,  whom  I 
^  now  desire  to  receive  with  all  devotion,  thou 
knowest  my  infirmities,  and  the  necessities  which  I 
endure;  in  how  many  sins  and  evils  I  am  involved; 
how  often  I  am  weighed  down,  tempted,  disturbed, 
and  defiled. 

Unto  thee  I  come  for  remedy,  I  entreat  of  thee 
consolation  and  support. 

I  speak  to  thee  who  knowest  all  things,  to  whom  all 
my  inward  thoughts  are  open,  and  who  alone  canst 
perfectly  comfort  and  help  me. 

Thou  knowest  what  good  things  I  stand  in  most 
need  of,  and  how  poor  I  am  in  all  virtue. 

2.  Behold,  I  stand  before  thee  poor  and  naked, 
calling  for  grace,  and  imploring  mercy. 

Refresh  thy  hungry  suppHcant,  inflame  my  coldness 


280  m  laij)  Wmim     Mm  gumu. 


with  the  fire  of  thy  love,  enlighten  my  blindness  with 
the  brightness  of  thy  presence. 

Do  thou  for  me  turn  all  earthly  things  into  bitter- 
ness, all  things  grievous  and  contrary  into  patience, 
all  low  and  created  things  into  contempt  and  oblivion. 

Lift  up  my  heart  to  thee  in  heaven,  and  do  not  send 
me  away  to  wander  over  the  earth. 

Be  thou  alone  sweet  unto  me  from  henceforth  for 
evermore ;  for  thou  alone  art  my  meat  and  drink,  my 
love  and  my  joy,  my  sweetness  and  all  my  good. 

3.  O  that  with  thy  presence  thou  wouldst  wholly 
inflame,  burn,  and  conform  me  unto  thyself;  that  I 
might  be  made  one  spirit  with  thee,^  by  the  grace  of 
inward  union,  and  by  the  meltings  of  ardent  love ! 

Suffer  me  not  to  go  away  from  thee  hungry  and 
dry,  but  deal  mercifully  with  me,  as  oftentimes  thou 
hast  dealt  wonderfully  with  thy  saints. 

What  marvel  is  it  if  I  should  be  wholly  inflamed  by 
thee,  and  from  myself  fail  and  come  to  nothing;  since 
thou  art  a  fire  alway  burning  and  never  decaying,  a 
love  purifying  the  heart  and  enlightening  the  under- 
standing. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Of  Fervent  Love  and  Vehement  Desire  to  receiiA 
Christ, 

117 1 TH  deep  devotion  and  ardent  love,  with  a^'j 
affection  and  fervor  of  heart,  I  desire  to  re- 


'  I  Cor.  vi.  17. 


(^f        i^^ttflittfl  tot  (S>UxW»  ^xmm.  281 


ceive  thee,  O  Lord,  as  many  saints  and  devout  per- 
sons have  desired  thee,  when  they  were  partakers  of 
thy  holy  communion ;  who  in  holiness  of  life  were  to 
thee  most  pleasing,  and  who  in  devotion  also  were 
most  fervent. 

0  my  God,  my  everlasting  love,  my  whole  good, 
my  never  ending  happiness,  I  desire  to  receive  thee 
with  the  most  earnest  affection  and  the  most  worthy 
awe  and  reverence,  that  any  of  the  saints  ever  had, 
or  could  feel  toward  thee. 

2.  And  although  I  be  unworthy  to  entertain  all 
those  feelings  of  devotion,  nevertheless  I  offer  unto 
thee  the  whole  affection  of  my  heart,  as  if  I  alone 
had  all  these  most  ardent  longings. 

Yea,  and  all  that  a  dutiful  mind  can  conceive  and 
desire,  do  I,  with  the  deepest  reverence  and  most 
inward  affection,  offer  and  present  unto  thee. 

1  desire  to  reserve  nothing  to  myself,  but  freely 
and  most  cheerfully  to  sacrifice  unto  thee  myself  and 
all  that  is  mine. 

O  Lord  my  God,  my  Creator  and  my  Redeemer,  I 
do  desire  to  receive  thee  this  day  with  such  affection, 
reverence,  praise  and  honor,  with  such  gratitude, 
worthiness  and  love,  with  such  faith,  hope  and  purity, 
as  thy  most  holy  mother,  the  glorious  virgin  Mary, 
received  and  desired  thee,  when  to  the  angel  who 
declared  unto  her  glad  tidings  of  the  mystery  of  the 
incarnation    she  humbly  and    devoutly  answered, 

Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord,  let  it  be  done 
unto  me  according  to  thy  word."^ 

3.  And  as  thy  blessed  forerunner,  the  most  excel- 


'  Luke  i.  38. 


lent  among  the  saints,  John  Baptist,  rejoicing  in  thy 
presence,  leaped  for  joy  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  whilst  he 
was  yet  shut  up  in  his  mother's  womb;i  and  after- 
wards seeing  Jesus  walking  among  men,  humbled 
himself  very  greatly,  and  said  with  devout  affection, 
"The  friend  of  the  bridegroom  that  standeth  and 
heareth  him,  rejoiceth  greatly  because  of  the  voice 
of  the  bridegroom;^  in  like  manner  I  also  wish  to 
be  inflamed  with  great  and  holy  desires,  and  to  offer 
myself  up  to  thee  from  my  whole  heart. 

Wherefore  also  I  offer  and  present  unto  thee  the 
triumphant  joys,  the  fevent  affections,  the  ecstasies, 
the  supernatural  illuminations  and  celestial  visions 
of  all  devout  hearts,  with  all  the  virtues  and  praises 
ever  celebrated  by  all  creatures  in  heaven,  and  in 
earth,  for  myself,  and  for  all  such  as  are  commended 
to  me  in  prayer ;  that  by  all  thou  mayest  worthily  be 
praised  and  for  ever  glorified. 

4.  Receive,  O  Lord  my  God,  my  wishes  and  de- 
sires of  giving  thee  infinite  praise,  and  blessing  that 
hath  no  bounds,  which  according  to  the  measure  of 
thine  ineffable  greatness,  are  most  justly  due  unto 
thee. 

These  praises  I  render  unto  thee,  and  long  to  ren- 
der them  every  day  and  every  moment.  And  with 
all  entreaty  and  affectionateness  I  do  invite  and  be- 
seech all  heavenly  spirits,  and  all  thy  faithful  ser- 
vants, to  render  with  me  thanks  and  praises  unto 
thee. 

5.  Let  all  people,  nations,  and  languages  praise 


*  Luke  i.  44. 


'^John  iii.  29. 


thee/  and  magnify  thy  holy  and  precious  name  with 
highest  joy  and  ardent  devotion. 

And  let  all  who  reverently  and  devoutly  celebrate 
thy  most  high  sacrament,  and  receive  it  with  full 
faith,  be  accounted  worthy  to  find  grace  and  mercy  at 
thy  hands,  and  pray  with  humble  supplication  in 
behalf  of  me  a  sinner. 

And  when  they  shall  have  attained  to  their  desired 
devotion,  and  joyful  union  with  thee,  and  shall  have 
departed  from  thy  holy  heavenly  table,  well  comforted 
and  marvellously  refreshed,  O  let  them  vouchsafe  to 
remember  my  poor  soul. 


T/ia^  a  Man  should  not  be  a  Curious  Searcher 
into  the  Holy  Sacrament,  but  an  Huinble  Fol- 
lower of  Christ,  submitting  his  Sense  to  Divine 


'HOU  oughtest  to  beware  of  curious  and  unprofit- 


able  searching  into  this  most  profound  sacra- 
ment, if  thou  wilt  not  be  plunged  into  the  depths  of 
doubt. 

He  that  is  a  searcher  of  my  majesty  shall  be  over- 
powered by  its  glory.  God  is  able  to  work  more  than 
man  can  understand. 

A  dutiful  and  humble  inquiry  after  the  truth  is 
allowable,  provided  we  be  always  ready  to  be  taught, 
and  study  to  walk  in  the  sound  doctrine  of  the 
church. 


CHAPTER  XVni. 


Faith. 


*  Psalm  cxvii. 


2.  It  is  a  blessed  simplicity  when  a  man  leaves 
the  difficult  ways  of  questions  and  disputings,  ana 
goes  forward  in  the  plain  and  firm  path  of  God's 
commandments. 

Many  have  lost  devotion,  whilst  they  sought  tc 
search  into  things  too  high. 

Faith  is  required  at  thy  hands,  and  a  sincere  life ; 
not  height  of  understanding,  nor  deep  enquiry  into 
the  mysteries  of  God. 

If  thou  dost  not  understand,  nor  conceive  these 
things  that  are  beneath  thee,  how  shalt  thou  be  able 
to  comprehend  those  which  are  above  thee  ? 

Submit  thyself  unto  God,  and  humble  thy  sense  to 
faith,  and  the  light  of  knowledge  shall  be  given  thee, 
in  such  degree  as  shall  be  profitable  and  necessary 
for  thee. 

3.  Some  are  grievously  tempted  about  faith  and 
this  holy  sacrament ;  but  this  is  not  to  be  imputed  to 
themselves,  but  rather  to  the  enemy. 

Be  not  thou  anxious  herein;  do  not  dispute  with 
thine  own  thoughts,  nor  give  any  answer  to  doubts 
suggested  by  the  devil ;  but  trust  the  words  of  God, 
trust  his  saints  and  prophets,  and  the  wicked  enemy 
will  flee  from  thee. 

It  oftentimes  is  very  profitable  to  the  servant  of 
God  to  endure  such  things. 

For  the  devil  tempteth  not  unbelievers  and  sinners, 
whom  he  has  already  secure  possession  of ;  but  faith- 
ful and  religious  persons  he  in  various  ways  tempteth 
and  vexeth. 

4.  Go  forward  therefore  with  simple  and  undoubt- 
ing  faith,  and  with  the  reverence  of  a  supplicant 


mHtttxxxa      ^a#0tt  to  mt  ^Hifh.  285 


approach  thou  this  holy  sacrament ;  and  whatsoever 
thou  art  not  able  to  understand,  commit  without  care 
to  Almighty  God. 

God  deceiveth  thee  not.  He  is  deceived  that  trust- 
eth  too  much  to  himself. 

God  walketh  with  the  simple,^  revealeth  himself  to 
the  humble,  giveth  understanding  to  the  little  ones, 
openeth  the  sense  to  pure  minds,  and  hideth  grace 
from  the  curious  and  proud. 

Human  reason  is  feeble  and  may  be  deceived,  but 
true  faith  cannot  be  deceived. 

5.  All  reason  and  natural  search  ought  to  follow 
faith,  not  to  go  before  it,  nor  to  break  in  upon  it. 

For  faith  and  love  do  here  specially  take  the  lead, 
and  work  in  hidden  ways,  in  this  most  holy,  most 
supremely  excellent  sacrament. 

God,  who  is  eternal,  and  incomprehensible,  and  of 
infinite  power,  doeth  things  great  and  unsearchable  in 
heaven  and  in  earth,  and  there  is  no  tracing  out  of 
his  marvellous  work. 

If  the  works  of  God  were  such,  as  that  they  might 
be  easily  comprehended  by  human  reason,  they 
could  not  be  justly  called  marvellous  or  unspeak- 
able. 


*  Psalm  xix.  7;  cxix.  130;  Matt.  xi.  29, 


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